Indian Pacific On Track For Winterbottom Stakes
Indian Pacific’s tag as potentially Neville Parnham’s next rising star will be put to the test in the Crown Perth Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.
The Zoustar four-year-old tackles elite company for the first time in his career, but Parnham is optimistic he will be up to the challenge.
Indian Pacific boasts an impressive racing resume with six wins and three placings from his nine starts to date.
His Winterbottom Stakes credentials were stamped with victory in the Crawford Stakes (1000m), the four-year-old’s first black type win.
He then followed up with a close third to Celebrity Queen on a heavy track in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m).
Parnham, searching for his first victory in the Winterbottom Stakes, says Indian Pacific has a huge future and is a star in the making.
“It’s not going to be an easy race, it will be tough, but I think he will be up to it,” Parnham told The Races WA.
“It’s certainly going to be his biggest test to date, but he will be up to the mark.
“His work has been really impeccable and I couldn’t be any happier with him.
“He goes in in very good order and will be peaking for Saturday.
“He is a horse that is on the way up.”
Indian Pacific worked with blinkers in a strong Ascot gallop this morning (Tuesday).
Parnham said he is considering a gear change for Indian Pacific in the Winterbottom Stakes.
“I’ve been tempted to try the blinkers for a while,” Parnham said.
“He probably went too hard in them, so we’ll have a think about that before making a final decision.
“He was strong all the way up the line.
“It was probably the best he has worked this time in.”
Indian Pacific and stable mate Malibu Style give Parnham a handy two-pronged attack in the Winterbottom Stakes
Brad Parnham maintains his link with Indian Pacific. Peter Hall will be Malibu Style’s rider.
The Winterbottom Stakes barrier draw will be conducted at Crown at 4.30 this afternoon (Tuesday).
Julio Santarelli