The recent wet weather in Brisbane led Peter Snowden to adjust Tuileries’ preparation for the Tattersall’s Tiara, though he remains optimistic about her prospects.
The four-year-old mare was originally set to compete in the Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago but was withdrawn due to the saturated track conditions. Consequently, Saturday’s Group 1 fillies and mares’ feature will mark her first start in five weeks.
Despite Tuileries not having raced since securing a determined first-up victory in the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone, where she carried the top weight of 59.5kg and navigated a wide barrier, Snowden is confident a recent barrier trial has kept her race-ready.
“I’m not too worried about it. She did trial the week before the Dane Ripper. It’s not as though she hasn’t been to the races or trials,” Snowden commented.
“She’s been up in Brisbane the past two weeks and did a strong bit of work on Tuesday morning when she went very well.
“I’m quietly confident she will run well, and the good draw (barrier three) will help.”
Tuileries has long been highly rated by Snowden, beginning her career impressively with wins in two of her initial three outings.
However, as a progeny of middle-distance performer So You Think, she has matured with age, solidifying her status as a genuine black-type competitor this season with two Group 3 victories and an equal number of stakes placings.
Snowden, who claimed the same race with Tashi twelve months prior, observes similarities between Tuileries and his former stable star.
“They’re similar. Tashi had run about seven placing in stakes races and never won one, and that was her maiden black-type win,” he stated.
“This filly has won a few stakes races, but it’s her first crack at a Group One.
“We have always liked her so it’s good to see her get to this sort of class now.”
Chad Schofield, who has partnered Tuileries in her two stakes victories, is booked for the ride in the Tiara.
In what is anticipated to be an open betting race, she is currently sharing favouritism at $6 with Splash Back from Victoria and Gerringong, trained by Chris and Corey Munce. Punters looking for the best Australian betting sites can find competitive odds on this exciting Group 1 race.
