Mazu Aims for Redemption in The Everest: Trainer Peter Snowden Seeks Another Win

Last year the gelded son of Maurice ran third in the world’s richest turf race, beaten home by Private Eye and winner Giga Kick.

Snowden is no stranger to the A$15 million weight-for-age race, having won the first two editions with Redzel.

Snowden, who trains in partnership with his son Paul, has already won The Everest twice with Redzel (2017-18) for Michael and Chris Ward's Triple Crown Syndications who also race Mazu.

Mazu excites having won seven of his 19 career starts that include last year’s running of the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 last year.

He has also amassed over A$6.8 million in prize money for connections.

After a long 14-week spelling, Snowden said that the stable star will return to the track for two barrier trials before his return to racing.

“He will race in The Shorts (Gr.2) and then two weeks later in a race called The Premier, which is a 1200m race, then he runs in The Everest,” Snowden said.

“So, he will have two races prior to The Everest.”

Mazu's Impressive Career: From Maiden to Group One Winner

Mazu has proven to be not only an interesting prospect but also a class runner, having been purchased at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Crown by Triple Crown for A$180,000.

He would go on to win his maiden first time out at Canterbury, then ran four races including in Group Three and Listed level company.

From October 2021 through May 2022, he was unbeaten from six races including three Listed, two Group Two’s and the Group One Doomben 10,000 (a race previously won by Redzel) where he showcased his ability to become a genuine Group One horse.

Snowden Talks Future Race Plans for The Everest Contender

Snowden is coy when it comes to discussing future race plans beyond The Everest.

“It all depends how he runs in the Everest,” he said.

“He may need a short break or freshen up or there is another 1300m race two weeks after the Everest that is worth A$5 million.

“So, all things going well and if we are happy enough with him, he will probably run in that.”

Reflecting on last year’s third placed performance in the major feature, Snowden said there isn’t much they would be looking to change this time around.

“There is not a lot we will change this time. We just have to remember that he is a different kind of horse,” he said.

“He does not love change and he loves things staying the same really.

“Whenever we try to change things up with him, he tends to get a bit difficult.

“He is a bit quirky, and he loves his routine.”

Coming into his 5YO season, the trainer said that he sees maturity in Mazu which should bode well for this year’s shot in The Everest and the season to come.

“Before last year he was running in restricted races, but I think that maturity and run last year in The Everest will really serve him well this year,” he said.

“In that run he was up against some really strong opposition and really held himself well.

“Now that he has had that prep since he is really looking a stronger horse with about an extra 25 kilograms of bulk.

“He is definitely going the right way.”

Mazu's Training Routine: A Retro Approach

When Snowden talks about Mazu and the way he likes to train he compared it to an old school type of athlete.

“Even though I say he is a little quirky, I just mean he doesn’t like to mix the routine up all too much,” he said.

“Some horses like a bit of alternative training to keep them distracted and mix that up.

“Mazu likes it being kept simple and the same routine keeps him focussed.

“We have worked him out a fair bit now and I think because we have had him for a few years now we have him in a great head space.”

Throughout his career, Mazu has been sent to the paddock for a spell on four occasions for periods around the 14-week time frame.

Snowden said that to keep that balance those spell periods were important to keep in mind.

“With this bloke it’s really important to keep that balance, he likes to be kept fresh but not too fresh,” he said.

“Knowing him enough and having had him for four years now we are able to tell when he has done enough work or not.

“When he has done enough work it’s great to be able to harness that energy for when it comes to races.

“If he is over-worked you can tell, and he walks out a little bit jaded and you can tell.

“We know where that perfect balance with him is, and that comes with experience and time spent with the horse that has allowed us to get to know him well.”

Mighty Redzel: the Star of the Snowdens' Stable To Date

A conversation with the great trainer himself cannot be had without mention of the son of Snitzel, Redzel.

A career of 39 starts for 15 wins and 13 placing and over A$16 million in prize money earned, he won the Concorde Stakes three times (2017, 2018, 2019) and the Everest twice (2017, 2018).

Snowden said that he saw him recently and also saw him lead the procession out for last year’s running of The Everest, a huge honour for the star trained by the Snowdens from 2015-2020.

“He really had a bounce in his step when he led them out last year, he probably thought he was heading out to race,” Snowden said.

“He is very popular, and people always go to see him.

“He is like a pig in mud, very happy right now.

“We are very proud of everything he did.”

Peter Snowden, the trainer of Mazu, has revealed that the horse is stabled in box number 13 at his Randwick stable complex, which was previously occupied by Redzel. Snowden is optimistic that the luck associated with the number 13 will rub off on Mazu and help them achieve victory in The Everest.

This coincidence has given Snowden and his team a lot of confidence and they are working hard to ensure that Mazu is in top form for the upcoming race.

Peter and his son Paul have trained over 30 Group 1 winners while earning over A$85 million in prize money becoming one of Australia’s most decorated training teams.

A King In The Making

Another of their high performers has been Kings Gambit, who comes into his 3YO season.

The I Am Invincible x Sultry Feeling colt has one win and three placings from four starts and has banked A$564,275 for winning connections.

Heading into the new season, he comes off a third place in this year’s Golden Slipper which impressed the Snowden team.

Snowden’s Ethos

When asked what the secret to success is for the team, Peter Snowden said that the answer was easy.

“Pure and simple the horse comes first,” he said.

“Don’t worry about those outside pressures, especially when it comes to a prestigious race like The Everest and the fanfare around it because there are a lot of those pressures.

“I just keep thinking about the horse and stay with him all the time because I know that the horse is fine and ready.

“You get owners who can be highly excited and sometimes they end up with over-realistic expectations.

“I always tell my owners to stay realistic because after all there is only ever one winner and there are ten or twelve horses that don’t win.

“All you can do is have your horse in the best possible head space and after that, everything else is out of your control.

“You just have to hope that he can do his best to get into the race and be in the finish.

“If you do win appreciate it, if you lose then cop it on the chin and remember that there is always next year.”

Can Mazu Secure Third Victory for Snowden at the Everest?

For now, heading into the Everest it’s all about Mazu and if the Snowden’s were to hold the trophy high it would be the third victory at the peak of the international racing mountain.

“You have to appreciate any win but to win the Everest again would be very special for us.

“The Star Casino gave him the slot for two years and have had a lot of faith in him. Last year when he came third that was the best result they have ever had.

“If he was to win it would mean so much for everybody involved in the horse and every single person who has had faith in him throughout his career.”

By Rowan Anderson