Trainer Neville Parnham says Strideaway has improved since her perfect return and is set to break his Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) drought at Pinjarra on Saturday.
A daughter of Alabama Express, Strideaway made a strong impression first-up, showcasing her Magic Millions potential by overpowering Do I Feel Lucky with determination.
Having her fifth start in the Magic Millions juvenile contest, Strideaway has drawn barrier nine and will be ridden by Laqdar Ramoly, who has been with her throughout her career and guided her to two victories.
Strideaway is the $3.80 favourite, followed by Do I Feel Lucky at $4.75, Da Generals Son at $6, and Storm Away at $9.
Parnham rates his filly highly and believes she is primed to deliver his first victory in the Magic Millions WA juvenile feature.
“I can only say that she’s come on from that performance,” Parnham said on Tabradio. “She wasn’t fully primed for that run as she had already qualified for the race. I expect further improvement.”
Parnham is also pleased with her barrier draw, stating, “I didn’t want to draw too close in. She prefers a bit of room and sitting slightly off the pace rather than being boxed in.”
Parnham has come close to winning the race before, with Rommel and Light Up The Sky finishing second in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Meanwhile, Parnham was not surprised by Snowdome’s victory in the Listed Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
Snowdome, a dual Group 3 winner, ended a 462-day losing streak, reaffirming the notion that form is temporary but class is permanent.
“He’s always been a talented horse,” Parnham said. “He was in great shape leading into the carnival, but we had to scratch him from the Prince Of Wales Stakes due to a stable incident. Then he contracted a virus before the Summer Scorcher, which set him back.”
“I wasn’t sure if we could get him back to winning form, but he proved his class,” Parnham added.
Parnham is now considering either the Pinjarra Classic (1300m) on February 23 or a freshen-up for the Bluff Knoll (1099m) in Albany on March 16.
Stablemate Bruce Almighty secured a treble for Parnham, capping off a successful day following wins from Zouboltz and Snowdome.
Parnham claimed training honours, while his sons dominated the jockey ranks, collectively riding six winners.
Brad Parnham rode a treble with victories on Monte Tremezzo, Red Tori, and Snowdome. Steven Parnham guided Ice Pick Nick and Rock ‘N’ The Jam to success, while Chris Parnham sealed the day with a win aboard stable favourite Bruce Almighty.
