Despite a less-than-impressive last start, Peter Snowden is confident that Touristic is feeling well and anticipates the horse will demonstrate this at Rosehill.
Having commenced his campaign in the Festival Stakes (1500m) back in November, Touristic is set to contest his tenth race of the preparation in Saturday’s W J McKell Cup (2000m).
This is a demanding schedule for most horses, but Touristic has handled the racing admirably, securing victory in the Canberra Cup in March and achieving placings in the January and Gosford Cups throughout the season.
Although he finished a considerable distance behind in the Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) at his most recent outing, Snowden attributes this to the race’s dynamics rather than a sign the gelding was ready for a spell.
“Things didn’t work out,” Snowden stated. “We’ve learned from that. It’s all about riding him the right way. Ride him to his strengths, and he’ll run really well.”
Touristic, a six-time winner, has recorded five of his victories on soft or heavy tracks, and Snowden is hopeful for favourable conditions on Saturday.
Should the track conditions be suitable, Snowden indicated that all indications from his stable suggest a swift return to form for the seven-year-old.
“I would like to see the track a little wetter, but they are forecasting a few showers on Saturday. A five, six or seven is perfect for him,” he commented. “He can turn this around on Saturday, no problem. He loves racing, and he’s in really good shape.”
Following the withdrawal of Rotagilla, who will instead race in Brisbane, Touristic will face a field of nine competitors. This includes the 2024 McKell Cup winner Golden Path, the currently impressive God’s Window, and the rapidly improving stayer Tavros, trained by Tamworth’s Craig Martin.
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