Smart New Winner for Nicconi

Widden Stud’s Nicconi has been in the news this week with his star son Nature Strip confirmed for $13million The Everest after being given the slot held by the ATC in the wake of his course record breaking win at Moonee Valley last Saturday and at Wednesday it was onwards an upwards with another smart new three year-old winner for this most popular of sires.

The Peter and Paul Snowden trained Nicco Lad had been placed at each of his three previous starts and scored a tenacious and deserved win at Canterbury in the opening race on the card.

He raced up on the pace and despite being headed before the line, fought back like a tiger to claim a short half head win in the 1250 metre maiden over promising Fastnet Rock colt England, a $900,000 Inglis Easter purchase.

“He’s got a good motor and has a bright future,” said Paul Snowden.

“He’s always been a bit immature and it’s taken time for him to fill out, so we’ve always thought more of him as an autumn horse.”

Retained to race by his breeder, Nicco Lad is a half-brother to stakes-winner Canny Ballad and is the fourth winner for unraced Canny Lad mare Briars Lass, who produced another colt by Nicconi last spring.