Snowden stable makes Diamond statement with Preview quinella

Astute purchases by Newgate Farm and China Horse Club are on their way to delivering significant rewards as the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained High Octane and Holmes A Court ran the quinella in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) for colts and geldings at Caulfield.

Both debutants, High Octane was bought for $1,050,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale after being withdrawn from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, while at that sale Holmes A Court, a colt by Capitalist, was bought for $850,000.

“They have both been terrific and not a lot between them in their work at home,” Peter Snowden said.

“I thought there would be a bit more in the finish of the race but I thought both colts ran exceptionally well.”

The win saw High Octane wound into favouritism at $5 for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) on February 24.

Snowden believes that there is more to come from both horses, especially from High Octane, a colt by Deep Field.

“He got lost a fair way out and wobbled around that corner but he showed his class late, he’s a talented horse and no doubt he’ll take a lot of benefit out of today.

“He travelled well to the gate although Holmes A Court got a bit revvy when we put the saddle on him but he was good before that.

“For High Octane, he’s a real professional.”

It’s a quinella on debut for two smarts colts as they take the first step towards a Blue tilt‼️

Exciting times ahead for High Octane & Holmes A Court

Thank you @SnowdenRacing1, Mark Zarha & @JyeMcNeil pic.twitter.com/7HTdjw3Kl4

— China Horse Club (@Chinahorseclub) January 26, 2024

Both colts are expected to line up again in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) on February 10.

High Octane ($3.10 favourite) scored by three-quarters of a length from Holmes A Court ($21) with the Annabel Neasham-trained Innervisions ($3.90) three lengths away third.

The time of 57.94 seconds was 0.13 seconds quicker than the fillies division run earlier and won by Hayasugi.