Peter Snowden to test Gambler against Golden Slipper heavyweights at Rosehill Gardens

The owners of Golden Slipper aspirant Gambler were keen to test the gelded two-year-old against the top class in Saturday’s Group 2 Silver Slipper at Rosehill.

Peter Snowden is hoping Gambler can thrust his way into the Golden Slipper conversation. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Master two-year-old trainer Peter Snowden is ready to give Gambler the chance to sink or swim against the Golden Slipper heavyweights at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

The Group 1 $2m Blue Diamond will take centre stage at Caulfield on Saturday but Gambler’s first-up test in the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) will likely have bigger repercussions for Sydney’s two-year-old showpiece.

Golden Slipper favourite Wodeton, brilliant Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes winner Bel Merci as well as Golden Gift quinella North England and West Of Swindon will all line up in the Slipper lead-up.

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Snowden, a two-time Slipper winner, is hopeful Gambler can force his way into the frame for March’s $5m main event.

“We could have went the easier option, either Canberra on Friday or Wednesday at Warwick Farm, but the owners were keen to test him to see if he was up to the better class,” Snowden said.

“We will certainly know a bit more about him after Saturday.

“I’ve got an open mind about it. I have been very impressed by his trials and how easy he has done it.

“I am not getting carried away either because last time he didn’t quite trial as well, but still quite nicely, but ran poorly his first start so he has to prove himself and execute well.”

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Golden Slipper-winning owner James Harron paid $360,000 for Gambler at last year’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale but was forced to make the decision to geld the son of former star juvenile Capitalist after his maiden start.

Gambler only beat a runner home in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial (1000m) at Flemington in October.

Tremonti looked all but beaten but surged again late to win the Darley Maribyrnong Trial Stakes for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

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The “ultimate gear change” appears to have done the trick with Gambler winning both of his trials stylishly in preparation for his return.

“So far it seems like it’s done him well,” Snowden said.

“He had a few little things, he was always a very tense horse and nervous type.

“The gelding has certainly settled his temperament down coming through his performances so far at the trials.”

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Wodeton was a drifting favourite from $2 out to $2.15 after drawing the outside in a field of 11 runners for the Silver Slipper.

Golden Gift winner North England ($5.50) is also drawn out in barrier 10 while West Of Swindon ($6) and Bel Merci ($4) jump from barriers one and two respectively.

Meanwhile, a competitive field of 11 contenders will face off in the Group 2 $400,000 Hobartville Stakes (1400m), headlined by the return of brilliant Golden Rose victor Broadsiding ($2.10 favourite).

Impressive Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes winner Public Attention ($5) and runner-up Linebacker ($5) will give the Godolphin galloper plenty to beat in the three-year-old event.

Originally published as Peter Snowden to test Gambler against Golden Slipper heavyweights at Rosehill Gardens