The Peter & Paul Snowden-trained Barbaric survived a protest in Sunday’s 2020 Black Opal Stakes results to secure a slot in the iconic $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) on March 21.

One-time Slipper favourite Cellsabeel (pictured) ran third as the beaten favourite in the 2020 Black Opal Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart.

Team Snowden dominated this season’s Group 3 $250,000 Black Opal Stakes (1200m) at Thoroughbred Park in Canberra, the stable saddling up three of the first four over the line.

First past the post was the Kerrin McEvoy-ridden Barbaric ($5.50), the I Am Invincible colt taking his record up to two wins from three starts.

Connections at Newgate Bloodstock however had to postpone celebrations slightly after jockey Tommy Berry aboard the third placed filly Cellsabeel lodged a protest against Barbaric claiming interference at the 300m mark.

Stewards were quick to dismiss the protest however and the Black Opal Stakes placings stood, Barbaric defeating stablemate Bartley ($5) by a head with the beaten Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained favourite Cellsabeel ($2.60) having to settle for third.

The Snowden’s also race the fourth placed roughie Aftermath ($21) who was just over a half-length beaten in the thrilling blanket finish to the Golden Slipper lead-up.

“It didn’t really matter, we were lucky to have made the second horse. It (the protest) was third against first so we were always going to keep the race somehow,” co-trainer Peter Snowden told media post-race.

“I’m happy with the three horses, I was hoping they would run well.

“It would have been great to have had the trifecta but you can’t be disappointed getting a winner. It was a good result.”

Barbaric is now into the Golden Slipper field with his Black Opal Stakes results taking his prize money up to $186,500, Snowden chasing his third win in the world’s richest race for two-year-olds following his previous success with Capitalist (2016) and Sepoy (2011).

“We can run Barbaric in the Slipper, he’s got the prize money to get in now but unfortunately Bartley probably won’t get there. I’m sure there’ll be a race for him not too far away,” Snowden said.

The latest all-in Golden Slipper odds at Ladbrokes.com.au list Barbaric as a $31 chance.

He is out to become just the second horse in history to do the Black Opal – Golden Slipper double along with Catbird (1999) for Queanbeyan trainer Frank Cleary.

“It’ll happen, for sure. The race is getting better and better each year,” Snowden said.

“It’s only a matter of time before it happens again, but at the moment Frank has the record so we’ll leave it with him. He’s a local.”

Markets on the $3.5 million classic are firmly led by the Tulloch Lodge-trained Farnan ($4.80) representing six-time Slipper winning trainer Gai Waterhouse.

The Not A Single Doubt colt further staked his claims at the feature over the weekend with a big 1.8 length win over Blue Diamond Stakes winner and current Golden Slipper second elect Tagaloa in the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m).

Click here for the latest 2020 Golden Slipper betting markets courtesy of Ladbrokes.com.au.

2020 Black Opal Stakes Results