Paul Snowden is glowing in his assessment of the progeny of first season sire Capitalist, in particular the stallion’s first winner, Captivant.
The colt produced a professional debut performance, settling midfield for Jason Collett and sweeping down the centre of the track to win the Victory Vein Plate (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday.
A $550,000 Magic Millions yearling, Captivant has had an unconventional first racing preparation and Snowden says that just underlines his promise.
The youngster had a jump out at Randwick last month then was sent to Melbourne where he had another jump out at Flemington.
The stable wasn’t convinced he handled the straight course so they waited a week for a race at Caulfield, only for Captivant to draw the outside gate.
He was scratched and sent back on the float to Sydney where he was forced to trial five days out from his debut because his jump outs were not officially recognised.
But Captivant ($8) took it all his his stride, scoring by 1-3/4 lengths over Akihiro ($51) with leader She’s All Class ($4.60 fav) sticking on well for third.
“To do that with a two-year-old, you wouldn’t do it. Only with the ones you think can handle it and obviously he can,” Snowden said
“That’s why it gives me so much confidence knowing that he has so much more to give. He is nowhere near where he needs to be.
“He’s that raw he’s still frozen.”
The Snowdens will see how Captivant comes through his win before deciding their next move but the Golden Gift at Rosehill on November 7 is among the options.
The trainers have a number of juveniles by Capitalist, who they trained to win the 2015 Golden Slipper.
Paul Snowden says the stallion’s first crop have been ultra-impressive with ability and attitude to match.
“They’re lovely types to deal with and this bloke is only going to train on,” Snowden said.
“You only have to look at this bloke to see he’s a mean, lean machine.
“He’s got so much physique about him and the attitude that Capitalist stamps all his stock with, they’re exciting.”