Beadman returns to Gold Coast chasing a form revival

By Glenn Davis

The racing ladder can be a slippery one, but trainer Peter Snowden is confident his talented three-year-old Beadman can regain his best form in the Gold Coast Guineas on Saturday.

Beadman announced himself as a future star 12 months ago with a runaway win in the Ken Russell Memorial Classic at the Gold Coast.

Fast forward to now and Beadman returns to the scene of arguably his greatest triumph for the 1200 metre Group 3 feature.

Since his eight-length domination in the Ken Russell, Beadman has started six times in NSW and Victoria for just one win.

However, Snowden has not lost faith in the son of Snitzel, who was a $60,000 buy at the Magic Millions sales.

Beadman was a November foal, which led to Snowden taking his time with him early in his career.

Jockey James McDonald, who was aboard Beadman in his Ken Russell triumph, will partner the gelding for the sixth time when he steps out for start number 10.

Beadman won the Listed Fireball Stakes at Randwick in March. He has since had two more runs. 

He finished sixth, beaten less than two lengths, in the Listed Darby Munro over 1200 metres at Rosehill in March before beating one runner home behind star filly Tempted in the Group 2 Arrowfield at Randwick on April 11.

“His last run was disappointing, but he sat four deep with no cover at all,” Snowden said.

“The same thing happened in the Darby Munro when he had no luck after drawing the outside barrier.

“I’m not making excuses for him and I’ll let him do the talking in the Guineas and I’m sure he’ll run well.”

Snowden has won the Gold Coast Guineas four times in the past 20 years including his past two alongside his former training partner and son, Paul, with Hightail (2020) and Marboosha (2021).

He was training by himself when he won with Academus in 2013 and El Cambio in 2008.

Snowden is reluctant to commit to a winter program with Beadman until after the Gold Coast Guineas.

“I’ll see what happens in the Guineas first before we determine his path,” Snowden said.

“He’s nominated for the Stradbroke, but the Doomben 10,000 also is coming up next week and the Fred Best Classic is soon.

“If he doesn’t run well on Saturday, he could well go for a spell.”

In the latest markets, Beadman is a $2.80 favourite with hat-trick chasing Victorian Beskar on the second line at $4.40.