There were hugs, cheers, and even a few tears trackside at Rosehill today as Raging Force stamped himself as one of the most exciting three-year-olds in training with a breathtaking front-running victory in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes. The Peter Snowden-trained colt lit up the afternoon, making it four straight wins and sealing his place among the spring’s most talked-about prospects.
Not to be outdone, stablemate Grand Prairie fought bravely to secure a thrilling victory in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes, leading home an Inglis graduates trifecta and giving Snowden a memorable double.
Raging Force Roars to San Domenico Stakes Glory
Before the race, co-trainer Peter Snowden planted a quiet kiss on Raging Force’s nose and whispered a few words of encouragement. Minutes later, the colt delivered in style. Jumping smartly from the gates, the son of Cosmic Force dictated terms early, showing speed, poise, and raw power. When the challengers loomed at the top of the straight, he simply found another gear, storming clear to score decisively.
The victory marked Raging Force’s fourth consecutive success, confirming his place among Australia’s brightest young sprinters.
“That was a real test for him today,” Snowden said, visibly relieved after the win. “This wasn’t a benchmark race — there were A-graders in there, including a Slipper placegetter and a Blue Diamond winner — and he’s beaten them well. He’s still improving, which is the most exciting part.”
Bred by Dr Richard McClenahan and purchased for $150,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale by Darby Racing, Raging Force has been a revelation since debuting as a late-season two-year-old. For McClenahan, who also bred G1-winning stallion Hellbent, the victory was deeply personal.
“He’s a special horse,” McClenahan said, smiling. “Kim [my wife] loved him as a young colt, so when Darby bought him, we kept a share. To see him flying the flag for Mullaglass Stud so early in the spring — it’s just fantastic.”
Snowden confirmed that Raging Force will now head to the Run To The Rose as his next target, which will determine whether the colt stretches to the Golden Rose trip or stays at sprint distances.
Grand Prairie Delivers Up And Coming Stakes Victory
While Raging Force’s brilliance stole the headlines, Snowden’s other runner, Grand Prairie, showed grit and class of his own in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes. Ridden patiently, the son of Written Tycoon burst through late to score narrowly over Fermoy and Crown The King, capping a dominant day for the Snowden stable.
The colt, a graduate of the Easter Yearling Sale and retained to race by breeder Yulong, had placed in The Rosebud last start and improved sharply to land his maiden Group success today.
“It was a really good effort,” Snowden said. “We had this race in mind after his last run, and he’s delivered perfectly. He’s still learning and has plenty of upside.”
A Stable on Fire Ahead of the Spring
With Raging Force’s San Domenico Stakes triumph and Grand Prairie’s Up And Coming Stakes win, the Snowden yard has sent a clear message: the stable’s three-year-olds are primed for a huge spring. Both colts now look set for pivotal clashes in the coming weeks, with Raging Force heading to the Run To The Rose and Grand Prairie being aimed at further Group-level contests.
For punters, breeders, and racing fans alike, Rosehill delivered a glimpse of two rising stars ready to light up the carnival.
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