By BRAD McGRATH
THREE out of five ain’t bad. Peter Snowden’s love affair with the Sportingbet Sandown Guineas continued on Saturday with Tatra giving Darley’s head trainer a victory in the 1600-metre feature.
It was Snowden’s third win in the $350,000 group 2 race in the past five years. Caymans (2008) and Kidnapped (2009) have also saluted in the same race.
Tatra narrowly defeated Lunar Rise and another Snowden-trained horse, Proverb, rounded out the top three. “It’s a good money race, but it’s a hard race to keep a horse up for, because sometimes the carnival empties them out before they get here.
“These are two horses we identified fairly early in the carnival. I thought, they’re not A graders, they’re not Guineas horses, but they’re the next level down and they almost quinellaed it. ”
Tatra settled early on the rail before hitting the lead on the straight and, despite Lunar Rise desperately trying to come back, held on for a thrilling victory.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy said Tatra’s third win from 11 starts was full of merit.
“We had a nice trip throughout. I could hear Lunar Rise and the other horse coming at me, but my fella just dug deep,” McEvoy said. “He’s no world beater but he’s a good old grinder and gives his best.
“He’s always shown nice promise and has got stronger and better throughout his preparation last time and this time as well. Up on the speed there he toughed it out well, so it was nice to win this race again.”
Meanwhile, leading owner Lloyd Williams’ bulging trophy cabinet will need to find room for the group 2 $350,000 Zipping Classic (2400m).
Young jockey Nick Hall settled Tanby towards the rear of the field before going to the outside on the straight and powering home to win.
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