Racing: Snowden confident star colt will see out 1600m

MELBOURNE - Sydney trainer Peter Snowden believes odds-on favourite Denman is adaptable enough to win the A$750,000 Australian Guineas at Flemington no matter how it is run.

The Lonhro colt, who drew the outside gate in the nine-horse field, has been dominant in his first three runs this preparation at Caulfield up to 1400m.

However, he goes to 1600m for only the second time in his career on Saturday having finished seventh to Starspangledbanner in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October.

That was the only time he's been beaten in 10 starts since running third on debut on a heavy track over 1100m at Flemington in December, 2008.

Snowden defended the Caulfield Guineas performance.

"I firmly believe it was the way we rode him. I think he just got too far back out of the race and it developed into a sprint home," he said.

"Trusting and So You Think did the same thing, they were just behind me [Denman] and they finished alongside of us.

"I just think what happened on the day was the downfall of him, but I respect the Starspangledbanner.

"He's a talented horse, he went quick and they eased off midrace and they sprinted from the half-mile and we had to get home in sub-21 to win, which was impossible to do.

"It's a different ball game here."

Already a group one winner of the Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill last August, Snowden says Denman is a better horse now. "He's a more complete horse. He can make his own luck," he said.

"He's learning his trade and relaxing better this preparation.

"It doesn't matter whether he's in front or in behind as long as he's relaxed."

Snowden acknowledged Alister Clark Stakes winner Linton and Angus Armanasco Stakes winner Set For Fame were the main dangers.

"They are both very good horses. Linton's win at Moonee Valley was very good at his last start and Set For Fame has looked good and shown that she's very tough," he said.

"We'll know they are there, but I'm not worried about them. I'm only worried about my own bloke and I know I'm happy with him."

Snowden, who worked under Woodlands Stud trainer John Hawkes for many years before he became private trainer to Sheikh Mohammed, compares Denman favourably with stars such as his grandsire Octagonal and sire Lonhro.

"He's a good horse. He's the best I've had," he said.

Since the barrier draw, Denman has eased from $1.50 to $1.55 with TAB Sportsbet.

The Peter Moody-trained filly Set For Fame firmed from $6.50 to $5.50 after drawing the inside gate, while late entry Linton drifted from $5.50 to $6 after drawing eight.

Moody's other runner Hanks drew barrier two and is next in the market at $15.

- AAP