Peter Snowden is open to the idea of progressing Inkling towards the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) early in the new season if he can continue the impressive start to his career at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Inkling, the younger brother of Cluster, won by more than five lengths on debut and is a short priced favourite to remain unbeaten this weekend.
"I think he can progress. This race will tell us what we do with him but if he happened to win we would probably back off him and look at a Golden Rose preparation," Snowden said.
"We will know a bit more after this Saturday."
It may only be a restricted race for two-year-olds in the midst of winter but history shows Saturday's race can be a platform for bigger targets, with Eurozone and Bull Point running the quinella in the corresponding event and then both were competitive in the $1 million Golden Rose.
"He won well at Warwick Farm and this is not a bad race for this time of year. It's only a small field but there are about five good hopes in the race. It will give us a good guide," Snowden said.
"He has progressed well and his work has been good since (his victory).
"He has certainly improved mentally since his run. He's not as aggressive as he was and is a bit smarter in behind horses and quickens when you want him to."
Cluster broke through for his maiden win with an easy kill at Kembla Grange last Saturday and will be in action at Randwick on Saturday week.
"He (Inkling) is similar to Cluster. He's a big type - strong, very athletic," Snowden said.
"Cluster will run next on Saturday week. I'll nominate him for two races and just see how the weights look and then go from there."
The Snowdens will also be represented by Chilean mare Sabor A Triunfo at Rosehill Gardens.
Her Australian debut resulted in a pleasing second to Black Jag, a horse she again meets this week.
"I think this will be more to her liking, 1900m. I thought her first-up run was good and there appears good speed in this race which should help her as well," Snowden said.
"She hasn't got much a turn of foot but she will be strong late." (Racing Network.com.au)