Snowdens Aim to End Godolphin's Dominance

Canberra’s premier race, the $250,000 Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes consistently attracts some of the best 2-year-olds in the land. Recent winners include superstars of the sport Criterion, Trapeze Artist and Epaulette. The 2020 edition should be no different with many horses seeking the prizemoney that would see them gain a berth in the Golden Slipper two weeks later at Rosehill Gardens.  

The ETS Refrigeration Black Opal Preview saw Team Snowden’s Aftermath win impressively on debut. The win see’s the talented colt exempt from the ballot in the John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes. Whether he comes is another question. Trainer Peter Snowdon said “He’s going really well, he’s probably going to head north for the $500,000 QTIS Jewel for 2-year-olds at the Gold Coast.”  

“We will be represented in the Black Opal though. I’m not sure which but we’ll have one or more of Aim, Barbaric, Bartley and Blaze a Trail there”.  

 It’s a very high-quality crop of two-year-old colts for Team Snowden, all of which would be a great chance at ending the recent dominance of Godolphin in the race. The international powerhouse taking it out with Encryption in 2018 and Pin Sec in 2019. 

Lady of Luxury finished 2nd in the Preview meaning she too is exempt from the ballot. The Bjorn Baker trained filly is on track to emulate her father Criterion who took out the Black Opal Stakes in 2013. 

The $250,000 Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes is Race 7 on Sunday 8th March and is due to jump at 5:10pm.