Impressive debut by Snitzel filly
There was little information to guide punters about the prospects of Snitzerland, the Arrowfield-bred daughter of Snitzel who lined up in yesterday’s $100,000 VRC Ottawa S. 1000m LR for 2YO fillies.
Pictured: Snitzerland (green & gold silks, inside) drives hard to the line in her raceday debut at Flemington. (PHOTO: Martin King, Sportpix)
Remarkably, the filly had not even trialled before she came to Flemington on one of the world’s biggest racedays. The smart money didn’t miss her though: she started at single-figure odds and put up a thoroughly professional performance to finish 2nd, beaten only a half-head by Applegate, and more than a length in front of the favourite Alezan Thunder.
Trainer Gerald Ryan said afterwards that Snitzerland was effectively still on her breaking-in preparation after an injury had interrupted her education during the winter. One of several promising 2YOs by Snitzel in the Ryan stable, she will now spell before preparing for an autumn 2YO campaign.
Snitzerland is from Monte Rosa, an unraced sister to Group 3 winner Nina Haraka, both by Fraar from a family well-known for producing smart and classy fillies. Their relatives include G1 Aloha, G2 winners Tennessee Vain, Tennessee Morn & Trezevant, and 2YO stakeswinners Tennessee Midnight, Tennessee Mist, Tennessee Magic & Mirror Mirror.
Wittly named (Monte Rosa is Switzerland’s highest mountain), Snitzerland was purchased for $125,000 by Darby Bloodstock from the Bellerive Stud draft at the 2011 Melbourne Premier Sale and is raced by Encompass Bloodstock and Werrett Bloodstock.
Monte Rosa is also the dam of stakes-placed 2YO winner Red Dress Marley (by Hussonet) and city winners Akmal (by Flying Spur ) and Deleque (by French Deputy). Monte Rosa has a yearling colt by Hussonet entered for the 2012 Inglis Classic Sale, and has been served this season by Snitzel.
