Conquest to push for Magic Millions start

Russian Conquest impressed on debut when she covered extra ground but still ran down Uncorked to win the Max Lees Classic at Newcastle month.Snowden, who trains in partnership, has given the filly a barrier trial between runs where she ran a close second to Pantonario at Rosehill. She is rated at $7 for the juvenile opener on Sunday.“Russian Conquest is a nice filly, I really like her,’’ said Snowden, who trains in partnership with his son, Paul.“She won well at Newcastle, her work since has been very good and I thought she went great in her trial the other day. I’m quietly confident she will be hard to beat.’’Russian Conquest, a daughter of the Snowden stable’s former brilliant sprinter Russian Revolution, cost $425,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale earlier this year.Snowden confirmed Russian Conquest is being aimed at the $2 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 15.“She probably has to win at Randwick to make sure she has enough prizemoney to get in the Magic Millions,’’ he said.“But timing-wise, this race is perfect with three weeks between runs. It provides her the best way to the Magic Millions next month.’’Russian Conquest is among three last-start winners the Snowden stable has lining up at Royal Randwick on Sunday.Peekays Legacy comes off a tough effort at Rosehill and contests the Bisley Workwear Handicap (1800m).Snowden was surprised Peekays Legacy was such generous odds of $13 after an impressive last start effort when he had to withstand a bumping duel in the straight with Spaltet before finishing strongly to win.“I can’t believe the odds about Peekays Legacy because he certainly hasn’t gone backwards since his Rosehill win,’’ Snowden said.“I give him a good hope again on Sunday because he really wants to win this horse, as he showed last start. He got bumped a few times in the straight but that just spurred him on.’’Forzanini has returned in great form with successive wins at Gosford and Canterbury, and she is challenging for favouritism at $6.50 for the Fujitsu General Handicap (1200m).But Snowden conceded he is concerned about Forzanini’s outside barrier (12) and is considering reserving her for the Kensington meeting on New Year’s Day.“I’m really happy with Forzanini but I’m not sure whether to run her on Sunday,’’ Snowden said.“She can over-race a bit so starting her from a wide gate is not ideal. We will have a think about it and see what the weather does as we have the option to run next Saturday.’’The Snowdens also have Ranges in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1200m) and Le Vizir runs in the Chandon Garden Spritz Handicap (1400m).Ranges won well-first-up at Kembla Grange then had excuses when sixth to El Buena at Rosehill while Le Vizir has had no luck in two runs from a spell.“We were hoping for a good barrier (four) with Ranges so he can settle a little closer,’’ Snowden said.“He got too far back last start but still ran on well, his sectionals were good.“He’s worked well since, from the good draw, soft, there is a lot to like about his chances. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au