Stephen Baster got his first look at his Memsie Stakes ride Jon Snow at Flemington on Tuesday and liked what he saw.
Last start winner of the Group I ATC Derby on a heavy track at Randwick, the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained four-year-old son of Iffraaj arrived at Flemington on Saturday night.
A suspension incurred by Beau Mertens means Baster has picked up the ride and the jockey is delighted to have been given the mount in Saturday's $1m weight-for-age contest.
"He's a lovely horse, very easy to do anything with and he worked super so I'm very happy to be on him at the weekend," Baster said.
"He's settled in very well and went around the track this morning as if he's been here all his life."
Jon Snow worked over 1400m on the steeple grass in company with stablemate Weather With You and while timing the work was not possible due to the fog, Baster gave an upbeat report.
"He certainly gives me the feel of a very nice horse and he seemed to enjoy the sting out of the ground this morning," Baster said.
"I'm thinking that whatever he does on Saturday he'll improve on once he gets over further but you certainly know you are on a good horse."
