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King will prove his worth against the stars of Everest

Posted on by Larry
King will prove his worth against the stars of Everest

Trainer Peter Snowden expects his smart sprinter King of Sparta to be a worthy challenger in deep $3 million Russell Balding stakes (1300m) op Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

King Of Sparta has been given the second task of taking on a competitive field of newly minted players The Everest winner and $2.30 favorite Bella Nipotina.

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Everest runners I am me ($9.50) and Sunshine In Paris ($5) and two-time Everest placegetter Private eye ($6.50) will also be part of the opposition.

Snowden believes King Of Sparta ($10) is ready to capitalize on an ideal draw in barrier five after doing things the hard way fresh off a spell when he finished fourth in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes.

“I thought he rode really well first after a tough draw, so I was very happy,” Snowden said.

“He will get a better draw on Saturday in a tough race.

“I’m sure he will be competitive.

“We probably just want to give him one more run after this and then freshen him up a bit to get him ready for the Magic Millions.”

King Of Sparta has won on Magic Millions day for the past three years with victories in the 3YO Guineas in 2022 and Magic Millions Sprint the past two editions.




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A win in Saturday’s Russell Balding Stakes would push his earnings past the $5 million connection mark.

Snowden could get an even bigger payday if Xidaki wins the Golden Eagle (1500m) worth $10 million.

The son of Zoustar is a $71 outsider in the main event on the program after earning his spot in the race with a second-place finish in the Silver Eagle.

It will be a significant step above that first assignment, but Snowden is convinced he deserves his chance.




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“He has been raced very lightly and this may realistically be a bridge too far for him, but I think the horse deserves a crack at a good race because he has ridden exceptionally well,” he said.

“After one soft test I certainly didn’t expect such a run in the Silver Eagle, but he is just a competitor.

“Once you got through his form he has only missed out on placing once in ten starts, winning a Group 3 at the Sun Coast when he went back to last and circled the field, but still won.”

“After a refresher and one test he ran like this, and he just keeps getting better and better.”

Tom Sherry Xidaki drives the Golden Eagle.

Sherry came within touching distance of winning the Golden Eagle four years ago when Icebath was edged out by Colette in a desperately tight photo finish.