Nine-year-old gelding Sneak Preview was sent home to retire in Dubbo just a matter of months ago. On Tuesday, he will race for the $1.5 million first prize in the Big Dance (1600m).
In one of the most remarkable turnarounds of the year, Sneak Preview has relished the change of scenery and somehow rediscovered his love of racing to earn himself a rare trip to Sydney.
He won the Dubbo Cup at big odds, should have won his last start in Coonamble and now has the chance to humble some of his much younger rivals at Randwick.
Trainer Peter Nestor is 65 and has just about seen it all during his time in racing, but even he has been pleasantly surprised by Sneak Preview’s renewed zest for the sport.
The last time Dubbo-based Nestor won a race at Randwick was nearly 15 years ago with a horse called Miss Alberta. Sneak Preview was $91 with bookies overnight, but expect the evergreen galloper to start much shorter by the time they jump at 2.20pm.
“My brother Michael is the major shareholder in the horse. He wanted to see if we could win a Dubbo Cup. That fairytale came true and it would be nice if it can come true again on Tuesday,” Nestor said.
Sneak Preview wins the Dubbo Cup in September.Credit: Janian McMillan/Racing Photography
“He had been in and out [of form] with [trainer] David Vandyke, who did a wonderful job with him, but the horse had lost his way.
“Michael told me the old boy was coming home, but said, ‘Can you do me a favour and see if you can resurrect him for the Dubbo Cup?’
“We gave him ten days. His attitude changed and his head was in the right place. Maybe it was the one-on-one time and being spoiled to buggery.
“I told the owners to have something each-way on him in the Cup. They got something at 100/1, so it ended up a really good day. Michael bought him at the calcutta, which was worth $18,000 to the winner.”
Sneak Preview lumped 67kg last start at Coonamble when he thundered home but had to pump the brakes when a gap closed 50m from home. He will carry just 53kg for Matty Cahill, who was happy to make a rare trek to the city for the one ride.
“He drops a lot of weight, but he needs that 14kg drop because the class of this race is so much better,” Nestor said.
“We’re under no illusions this will be tough, and there are half a dozen horses in this race that can go right on with the job.
“I also know he’s a nine-year-old who cannot stay in work forever. He was meant to retire. But he’ll run a really nice race, and I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t.”
While Sneak Preview can defy his age, rival Gringotts will try to overcome a shocking barrier for jockey Tommy Berry.
Gringotts is an ultra-consistent gelding that has missed a place once in 15 career starts, and fell just short of Big Dance favourite Here To Shock last start. Berry said with trainer Ciaron Maher’s blessing, he would try to press forward early and be among the first half dozen horses in running.
“He’s a good horse and unlucky not to win first-up,” Berry said. “Because he didn’t get out until late first-up, he raced a little fresh last start, which took away a bit from his finish. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of genuine speed in the race, so my opinion will be to let him use his speed and to ride him like the best horse in the race.”
