Monday, 23 April 2012:
A last-start win over Dear Demi has earned Flying Snitzel her chance at Group One level but trainer Gerald Ryan admits the presence of Pierro in Saturday's Champagne Stakes is a stumbling block.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained Pierro will step out in the 1600m race in an attempt to complete the two-year-old triple crown after wins in the Golden Slipper and Sires' Produce Stakes.
Dear Demi cemented her place in the Champagne with victory over the distance in Saturday's Fernhill Quality, the first of four wins for visiting New Zealand jockey James McDonald who will again be aboard.
Flying Snitzel beat the Clarry Conners-trained Dear Demi by half a length in the Group Three T L Baillieu (1400m) on April 7, carrying half a kilo more than her rival.
Both fillies were deliberately steered away from the Slipper in which Pierro beat Flying Snitzel's stablemate Snitzerland by a half length.
He then went to the Sires' Produce showdown with
All Too Hard and showed he was even more effective over 1400 metres.
"Flying Snitzel has earned a chance at the Group One but the other two will be hard to beat," Ryan said.
"She's fit and well and hopefully the track is not too wet for her.
"She has always given me the impression she will run out a strong 1600 metres."
Glyn Schofield will ride Flying Snitzel in the Champagne replacing Hugh Bowman who is committed to Pierro's stablemate Raceway.
Ryan has had much success with the progeny of Snitzel who he trained to win the 2006 Oakleigh Plate (1100m).
Although Snitzel was never tried beyond 1400 metres, Ryan said there was no reason to doubt his sons and daughters over a distance.
"It all boils down to the horse," he said.
"Rick Hore-Lacy has got Snitza by Snitzel and he's won two 2400 metre races."
All Snitza's four wins have been from 2000 to 2419 metres.
There were 10 entries taken on Monday for the Champagne including Baillieu third placegetter Strength and Patinack Farm stablemate Trophies, runner-up in Fernhill, among them.
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