Snowden says draw can help Tuileries in Hot Danish

Tuileries drew barrier three, on Lazzura's outside, a relief for Snowden after the five-year-old mare came from gate 11 in both starts this preparation. She finished a half-length fourth in the Nivison at Rosehill first-up before running into traffic when eighth in the Invitation at Randwick, a run Snowden described as a "disaster".

Saturday's race is a group 2 for fillies and mares over 1400m. The Chris Waller-trained Lazzura, a group 1 winner, has taken the group 2 Golden Pendant and the $2 million Invitation, both over 1400m.

"It was pleasing to see that draw, that's for sure," Snowden said. "Last start she got back from a bad gate so hopefully from that good gate we get that right spot."

Snowden has won the Hot Danish twice before, with Sheeza Belter in 2022 and Reelem In Ruby in 2019, and says Tuileries is similar to those mares, especially Reelem In Ruby. “She's very similar to them, especially Reelem In Ruby,” he said. “She'd be equal to her ability for sure. I think she has improved this prep, she's just that bit more mature. She's come back in good order. She hasn't got a result yet, but it would be great to see her run well.”

Stewards announced a late plating change on Thursday, with Tuileries to wear Equicast, a therapeutic hoof support and casting system, on both front legs for the first time. "It's nothing at all," Snowden said. "Those sort of changes are like you taking your shoes off and putting your slippers on."

Snowden also has Nitro at Rosehill in a benchmark 78 handicap over 1200m. The four-year-old gelding, who has a habit of beginning slowly, was trialled in a barrier blanket, and Snowden said they would see if it worked on Saturday. At Flemington, Plaintiff runs as the $151 outsider in the group 1 Champions Sprint, while Miss Freelove and The Machine Gun will have breaks before the Magic Millions carnival, and King Of Roseau likely heads to The Hunter at Newcastle next Saturday.