Top jockey Hugh Bowman dismissed any distance doubts that hung over Hot Snitzel after he scored a dazzling win in an action-packed Sires' Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm.Saturday's 1400m Group Two race was marred by a serious incident at the start when the Peter Snowden-trained Free Wheeling leapt in the air and dislodged Corey Brown a second before the barriers opened.Free Wheeling took no part in the race but stewards declared the horse a starter after viewing the footage and taking evidence from
Top jockey Hugh Bowman dismissed any distance doubts that hung over Hot Snitzel after he scored a dazzling win in an action-packed Sires' Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm.
Saturday's 1400m Group Two race was marred by a serious incident at the start when the Peter Snowden-trained Free Wheeling leapt in the air and dislodged Corey Brown a second before the barriers opened.
Free Wheeling took no part in the race but stewards declared the horse a starter after viewing the footage and taking evidence from starter Peter Cousins, Brown and Snowden.
Snowden's other runner Benfica started the $3.10 favourite but failed to flatter and finished a well-beaten sixth although his rider Kerrin McEvoy excused the performance and said the horse was shaken when his stablemate went off in the barrier beside him.
While Snowden lamented, Hot Snitzel's ($4) big group of connections were jubilant after the brilliant gelding raced away to score a dominant three-length win in the $250,000 feature.
Bowman said Hot Snitzel always travelled like the winner and quickly booked the ride on the Gerald Ryan-trained juvenile in next Saturday's Group One TJ Smith (1600m).
"It was an impressive performance. He travelled kindly for me and I was able to get into the race when I wanted to," Bowman said.
"Once he got out I was supremely confident and I knew it was all over.
"I wouldn't think he'd have any trouble stepping up in distance. That win proved he was probably looking for a mile (1600m) and I'll be on him for sure next week."
Bush visitor Playtime ($51) travelled just off the speed outside Hot Snitzel during the run and while he was no match for the winner, he toughed it out well to finish a determined second.
The Paul Messara-trained Mahisara ($13) battled on well after setting the speed to finish 2-1/4 lengths back third and New Zealand filly Dowager Queen ran on well from last to finish fourth.
New Zealand apprentice James McDonald was rapt with Dowager Queen's effort and said she would be hard to beat in the TJ Smith next week.
"She really found the line well and she's won over a mile - she'll be right there next week," he said.