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Son of Exceed And Excel nominated for Takeover Target Stakes

Co-trainers Peter and Paul Snowden will decide whether multiple stakes winner Signore Fox (Exceed And Excel) will take his chance in the Takeover Target Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at Gosford on Saturday on the morning of the race. 

The track was rated a soft six on Thursday and Peter Snowden doesn't want to see much more rain for the sprinter, who has posted seven of his nine wins on good ground. 

"The big thing is tracks. We need to get good ground for him and it might be an issue on Saturday," Snowden said. 

"If we get to the heavy range he probably won't be running. If it's a (soft) five or six, he'll be there, but if it's an eight or nine, I wouldn't think he'd be there." 

Already a dual Listed winner, the five-year-old produced his customary resolute finish to claim the Star Kingdom Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) first-up and he was last seen finishing fifth in the Hall Mark Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Randwick on April 21. 

If he can get track conditions to suit, Snowden expects the small field of seven to suit the gelding, who will go back from a wide gate. 

"The small field is a big thing. He will probably go back from his draw and we'll ride him to finish off," Snowden said.