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Heat stress caused a premature end to Deep Snow’s summer campaign but that shouldn’t be a concern when the consistent four-year-old returns at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Trainer Angela Davies had no hesitation in pulling the pin after the gelding put in an uncharacteristic performance in a Midway in December, when well in the market, finishing at the tail.
"He was terrible, he just couldn't handle the heat so I said to (the owners) we really need to put this horse out while it's hot and thank god we did because it got hotter and hotter,'' Davies said.
"He's the sort of horse that would stand in a box and everything else would be okay but while he was standing there he'd be dripping sweat.
"He doesn't cope well and probably the hard track was against him. (The cooler weather) certainly helps at this time of the year."
Deep Snow, a winner of three from 11, had scored an impressive Benchmark 72 win at Rosehill prior to melting in the heat.
The Gosford trainer hopes the Drinkwise Handicap (1100m) can kick off a fruitful winter preparation given, based on his trials leading in, Deep Snow seems to have no ill effects from the conditions of seven months ago.
He brushed home to run a close second in his latest trial on his home track, with Andrew Gibbons riding, has drawn ideally in barrier two and will carry 58.5kg after the claim for Dylan Gibbons.
"I think from a nice gate he's going to get his chance,'' she said.
"He's come back equally as well if not a bit better than last time. The only question mark will be is it a little bit short for him.
"From that gate he's going to have to take up a handy position with the rail out that far. I'm very pleased with him and it's a nice race to kick him off in at this stage."
Where Deep Snow, $7.50 with TAB on Tuesday, heads second-up depends on the result – as he currently has a 70 rating - but it's most likely a 1200m Benchmark 72 at Canterbury in two weeks.
"It's hard to keep winning, you've got to try and pick your mark and hope the horse is right at the right time,'' Davies said.
Meanwhile, Davies is disappointed to report that Through The Cracks won't be taking his place at Randwick this Saturday after picking up a virus.
The eight-year-old, winner of the 2020 Provincial Championships Final, produced an eye-catching return over 1100m at Randwick two weeks ago and Davies was looking forward to stepping him up to the 1300m this week.
Davies said the gelding had a particularly high temperature and is being treated but if penicillin is required he can't race until 21 days after his last treatment.
