Peter and Paul Snowden trainee Defcon (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}) overcame a tardy break to land the spoils in the G3 Black Opal S. over 1200 metres at Canberra Sunday. Slowly away, the odds-on favorite recovered under a patient Blake Shinn to circle the field and win handily. The strapping chestnut had previously completed the exacta in the G3 Canonbury S. at Rosehill Jan. 30 and filled the same position to Astern (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in the G2 Silver Slipper S. going 1100 metres there Feb. 20.
“He just had a bit on them,” Snowden told Racing and Sports. “He travelled well and produced a sterling turn of foot. He has always had that great acceleration; it was just a matter of timing it right. A great turn of foot will take them a long way and win them races.”
A start in the forthcoming G1 Golden Slipper S. is not yet confirmed by connections, but the colt's price has lowered to $15 with tab.com.au.
“We'll let the dust settle, enjoy the moment and see what happens,” continued Snowden.
Added Shinn to Racing and Sports, “When the barriers opened, my heart sunk. Before the race I thought I was on a good thing in the race and when the gates opened I thought I was no chance. I had to have faith in the horse and be very patient. They went fast in front and I know he has got a devastating turn of foot. I got a good enough drag into the race from Tye Angland [Flash Fibian {Aus} {Ready's Image}], I produced him at the 250-metre [mark] and he was explosive. He is a very smart 2-year-old., he has got form lines around Astern.”
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