WINNING the Greg Cribb Memorial Red Crown Handicap has always been an annual goal for Peter Snowden since its inception in 2009.
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The stable’s won the race honouring Snowden’s late brother-in-law, five times.
But, if victory comes their way at the Muswellbrook Race Club this Sunday, they will claim an interesting record.
Californiasurprise took out the 2017 version for Peter and Paul Snowden on debut in November last year.
With the $22,000 race rescheduled to June, Snowden has the two-year-old filly backing up in her second Greg Cribb Memorial, seven months later.
Success will see her become the first, and possibly only horse, to take out the race twice.
And, Snowden considers the I Am Invincible filly is primed for another victory.
“Placement of the race changed from last year so she gets an opportunity to try and do it again,” he said.
“She’s had two runs in Melbourne and we freshened her up before a Kembla start where she went really well.
“This is her fourth run this time in.
“She’s going along nicely and back in a bit of class will help.
“She’s in good order and I expect her to run well.”
Winona Costin, who rode Californiasurprise to victory in November, will again team up with the filly at Skellatar Park on Sunday.
The race has attracted a field of seven runners and will kick off the seven-card program at 12.55pm.
Snowden’s hopes of having his first runner in the other feature race, the $22,000 Shorty Cribb Aberdeen Cup, honouring his late father-in-law, were dashed.
Suspense, a family-owned five-year-old, suffered at the hands of the handicappers with the trainer opting not to run with the 66kg penalty.
“I’ve never had a runner in the race and I was hoping this would be the year,” he said.
“I’ve been trying hard to get a runner every year but I just can’t get the right horse to go up there.
“They are either not quite good enough or a bit like him, his benchmark is a little bit high.”
Nine horses will contest the Cup with the Tony Newing-trained King Lear the likely favourite.
Snowden said the day, honouring his wife Lyn’s brother, held great significance and the family would be trackside on Sunday.
“It’s just one day of the year when we really remember Greg,” he said.
“We never forget him that’s for sure but it’s the day we can honour him with the race which is fantastic.
“We added my father-in-law when he passed away, so it’s very special for us all.”
Gates open at noon on Sunday, with the first race taking place at 12.55pm and the last at 4.25pm.
“We’re promoting it as a family fun day,” MRC general manager Duane Dowell said.
“There is kid's entertainment planned, too, which adds to the atmosphere.”