The honesty and integrity of Calanda were on display as he defied 14 older rivals and a track bias to etch his name onto the honour roll of the $162,000 Listed Ramornie Stakes at the NSW Grafton Carnival yesterday.
The only three-year-old in the 15 horse field, Calanda has been a model of consistency with the last 12 months seeing him contest 11 races and secure no less than five wins, two placings and more than AUD405,000 in prize money.
“It’s a big thrill. He’s a talented horse,” Peter Snowden, who co-trains the gelding with his son Paul, told broadcaster Sky Racing after the win.
“The races in Brisbane didn’t go right for him, he got strung-up at a vital stage and was virtually going to the line well within himself.
“He backed-up with a really handy win the other day at Rosehill and he’s poked through on the inside part of the track today where everyone is trying to get off it and he’s got the job done.”
The consistency of Calanda has the Snowdens mindful of protecting him to promote longevity in his career. The gelding will have a light spring before potentially shaping up for some more engaging assignments over the Sydney Autumn Carnival in 2018.
“We might seek something early in the spring. We might have him up and running quite early because he’s in such good order,” Peter Snowden said.
“It’s a shame to put him out but I think we’ll look after him like we have and we can get some more benefit out of that.”
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