Snowmass too cool
BASIL Marcus booted home an incredible five winners last night but it was the one that got away, Snowmass, who is worth following in the future.
The lightly raced son of Alzao was running over a mile for the first time and he clearly benefited from the move up in distance when staying on most gamely and encouragingly to finish just a head second to Talisburg in the seventh race.
And had Snowmass known more about racing under full pressure, he almost certainly would have won. But at the vital moment when Marcus brought him to challenge, he hung in. That inexperience proved crucial, allowing Tony Cruz to steal an all-important victory.
But there will be another time for Snowmass. Geoff Lane's Beat Them Up has given cause for encouragement on two of his last three runs. Both of these efforts have come at the Valley - last night's second to Good Dividend and an earlier equitrack effort.
Last night's run came over 1,800 metres and a move up to 2,230 metres or beyond at the Valley could well see Beat Them Up come into his own. He also looks the type who will benefit from some cut in the ground.
