Peter Snowden is under no illusions over the task Exoboom and Aim face in securing a berth in the Golden Eagle but he is equally adamant both are up to the challenge.
The stablemates will clash in Saturday’s $500,000 Silver Eagle (1300m) at Randwick where the first three horses across the line will earn a ballot exemption from the $7.5 million showpiece.
“They’re going to have to run really well in this to get into that race,” Snowden said.
“But they’re both really nice horses.
“Aim goes well fresh. If he gets good ground he runs well, if he gets on softish ground he’s not the same horse. He’s had two trials so he’s quite forward.”
Exoboom goes to the race second-up and was doing his best work late when midfield over an unsuitable 1100m journey at Randwick last month.
A Hawkesbury Guineas winner in the autumn, the four-year-old has shown positive signs on the track at home and Snowden is upbeat he can again make his mark this campaign.
“He’s a pretty handy horse. He’s already won a Group Three Hawkesbury Guineas with only very limited racing, so I think he’s got the talent to get to a good level and he gets his chance from that good draw on Saturday,” he said.
“He’s still learning but he does some very good things on the track so I’m expecting a nice prep from him this time through.”
While that pair will be racing for a Golden Eagle spot, stablemate Mirra Vision will be out to prove she can extend to a mile in the Angst Stakes.
The mare has been racing in career-best form and went down fighting when runner-up to Madam Legend in the Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at Newcastle.
Snowden believes it is the right time to test her over a longer distance.
“She’s getting out to a mile for the first time but the way she’s racing, I don’t think it will be a problem,” he said.
“She was very brave the other day and she kept finding. She was still very strong through the line.
“If she gets the mile, it opens up a few more avenues for her, so she’s on trial but I’m confident she’ll run well.”
Mirra Vision was at $5 with TAB fixed odds on Thursday, while Exoboom ($14) and Aim ($23) were both at double-figure odds in an open betting race.