When his top-line galloper Think It Over tore a tendon earlier in the year, you would’ve been forgiven to believe that trainer Kerry Parker would be having a quieter time at this stage of the racing calendar. But his Dundeel mare Hope In Your Heart has taken over the reins and continues to give Parker Group success.

After winning a Benchmark 78 at Rosehill on August 27, the four-year-old mare has gone back-to-back in Group 3’s at Newcastle and Randwick before a fast-finishing fourth in the $10 million Golden Eagle. She takes her place in the $1 million The Gong at his home track of Kembla Grange this Saturday.

“We needed something to step up with him (Think It Over) out of action,” Parker said.

“Usually the carnivals are on and I’m down at Moruya or Queanbeyan. It’s been lovely to keep our name up in lights and play in the carnival. Usually you’re sitting at home watching them.

“She really stepped up big time in the Golden Eagle. She’s been in good form all prep and hopefully she’s got one more good run in her.”

Picking up a whopping $500,000 with her fourth place in the race, Parker was grateful for the huge prize money on offer.

“She earned more in that start than she did in the 17 starts prior,” Parker mused.

Having trained for the ownership group for some time, Parker has had a fair bit to do with Hope In Your Heart’s family.

“I’ve always trained for the owners, she was the fourth one out of the mare,” Parker said.

“She’s the first one to get back type, but all the relations are city winners. Terrific family.”

Parker also has his Pendragon gelding Tampering nominated for benchmarks over the mile and 2000m, and is leaning towards running over the longer journey. Boasting the same owners as Hope In Your Heart, the six-year-old has done a great job for connections winning seven races and over $330,000 in earnings.

“Just not sure which way I’ll go with him yet, but I’m probably leaning towards the 2000m,” Parker said.

“He’s probably reached his limit around the mile, they’re a bit too sharp for him.

“Where as if he can run 2000m, he might get a second life. There might be some more races for him.”

Now in its fourth year, Parker has been a big supporter of races like The Gong giving provincial tracks a stand alone Saturday meeting.

“It’s super, a million dollar race in your backyard. That’s sensational,” Parker said. “What (Peter) V’Landys has done giving the Sydney tracks a rest and putting something on for The Hunter and for Kembla, it’s brilliant for the whole community.”

As to how his dual-Group 1 winner Think It Over is recovering, Parker is happy to take it nice and slow.

“All reports are all good, he’s just up at rehab and he’s going well,” Parker said.

“We’re probably aiming at next spring. We could push to get back a bit earlier, but I’d rather take too much time.

“If he doesn’t come back, he goes out on top after winning the Queen Elizabeth anyway.”