A Peter Snowden quinella in the Spring Champion Stakes was no surprise but the finishing order caught the trainer out as Erewhon cemented his journey to the top with victory over Retrieve.There was just a neck between the Darley stablemates at the end of the Randwick 2000 metres on Saturday, with Hugh Bowman getting the best out of the winner."If you had told me six months ago this horse would win a Group One race I would have said you were kidding," Snowden said."I still think the other one (Re

A Peter Snowden quinella in the Spring Champion Stakes was no surprise but the finishing order caught the trainer out as Erewhon cemented his journey to the top with victory over Retrieve.

There was just a neck between the Darley stablemates at the end of the Randwick 2000 metres on Saturday, with Hugh Bowman getting the best out of the winner.

"If you had told me six months ago this horse would win a Group One race I would have said you were kidding," Snowden said.

"I still think the other one (Retrieve) is a better horse but you can't put a level on horses like this.

"You don't expect and they keep stepping up.

"It's only a few weeks ago he won a maiden at Gosford.

"He is just so tough and keeps stepping up."

Retrieve, ridden by Josh Parr, was sent out the $2 favourite to beat Erewhon ($5) with a third stablemate Giresun at $5.50.

Queenslander Just About Ready ($41) took the lead from Erewhon early in the race and cleared out to some six lengths in front of the field in the middle stages.

He got tired rounding the home turn and was a target for the swoopers who came hard.

Erewhon dashed to the front mid-straight, with Retrieve giving chase, and managed to turn the tables and reverse the positions from the Gloaming Stakes.

The battle for third between Praecido ($12) and Shootoff ($151) ended in a draw, 1-1/2 lengths away.

Stable jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who is recovering from injury, was an interested onlooker and admitted he would probably have chosen the wrong mount.

"I think I would have gone for Retrieve," he said.

Plans for Retrieve have always included the Victoria Derby but Snowden is uncertain if Erewhon will go that far.

"I don't know, we'll just see how he pulls up," Snowden said.

"The Derby is the plan for Retrieve but Erewhon may have done enough for now."

The Spring Champion Stakes has special significance for Snowden as it was his first Group One victory for Sheikh Mohammed's Darley operation when Sousa won it two years ago.

"It is special," the trainer said.