Prolific winner Briasa has earned a stakes-race opportunity with another polished performance.
Tyler Schiller has given his endorsement to the claims of emerging sprinter Briasa tackling next month's The Hunter after the Hawkes Racing gelding made it five wins from six starts with a classy display on the Randwick-Kensington track.
Sent out a heavily-backed $1.45 favourite for the Ranvet Handicap (1250m) on Wednesday, Briasa let down strongly when asked for an effort in the straight and cleared out to defeat Inhibitions ($3.30) by 3-1/4 lengths with Dream Hour ($10) another half-length further back.
Schiller has partnered the four-year-old to three of his victories and feels he is not only ready for a slight distance rise, but also the step up to stakes company.
"He has definitely got a turn of foot to go that far if he can keep relaxing like today," Schiller said.
"And 1300, 1400 is definitely not out of reach and I'll be excited to ride him in The Hunter."
Briasa has been patiently managed by the stable and co-conditioner Michael Hawkes said the horse was unlucky not to boast a perfect record.
He was shunted off the track from a wide draw at his previous start when finishing a brave fourth to Ostraka, who is in contention for Saturday's $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.
"We have taken our time with him," Michael Hawkes said.
"Last start, he probably should have won that race.
"He's a big track horse, he is learning all the time, you can't do much more than what he has done.
"There is a race called The Hunter coming up soon at Newcastle on a big track, that will probably suit him down to the ground."
Ciaron Maher is hoping Snitzanova's win in Wednesday's Drinkwise Plate (1400m) is a portent of things to come, the filly racing in the same orange and black checked colours of stablemate Southport Tycoon, who lines up in the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill this weekend.
The daughter of top stallion Snitzel showed the benefit of race experience following a debut fifth at Rosehill earlier this month and appreciated a 200m distance rise.
"Great to get a win for Bennett Racing, obviously they're very good supporters, they've got 'Southport' running on Saturday," Maher's Sydney foreman Johann Gerard-Dubord said.
"Her first-up run was actually very good. It was a bit of a sneaky run, she was a bit new to it all that day and just a bit keen early, but the last part of the race was very good.
"That gave us a bit of confidence going up to 1400 today."
Snitzanova ($10) finished best to overhaul Engine Room ($4.40) by a long neck with Brigidine Gal ($7.50) another 1-3/4 lengths away third.
