Top Jockey Hopes To Cap Stellar Week With Fuhrer In Aquanita Stakes.
In form jockey Chris Parnham fancies his chances of capping a stellar week when he partners Fuhrer in the Listed Aquanita Stakes (2000m) at Belmont.
Fresh from booting home a Belmont treble on Wednesday, Parnham rides Fuhrer for the first time and says the gelding has genuine claims in an open race.
Fuhrer has won two races this preparation, romping home by 3 ¾ lengths first-up before a strong on pace win in the Tabtouch WA Day Cup (1600m) at Northam.
The Universal Ruler three-year-old ran ninth last-start at Belmont, beaten nearly 10 lengths by Power Of St George, but had no luck after racing wide.
One of two runners for trainer Darren McAuliffe, Fuhrer is a $6.50 prospect with Tabtouch. His starting gate in a field of 11 contenders is barrier four.
Parnham says Fuhrer can bounce back from his previous defeat and has the credentials to win the Aquanita Stakes on Saturday.
“It’s probably not the strongest edition of the race that I have ever seen,” Parnham said on Tabradio.
“I haven’t a lot to do with him at all, but he is a horse that is in form.
“Hopefully he can put his best foot forward and it definitely looks a winnable race for him.
“Things didn’t go to plan last start, but before that he was a good winner at Northam and at Ascot as well.
“He can definitely play a part in the race.”
Uncle Dick, a winner in two of three starts, holds Aquanita favouritism at $2.90. No Apology ($4.60), Eurasia ($5.50) and Fuhrer are the only other runners in single figure odds.
Meanwhile Parnham says he’s confident he can continue Indian Pacific’s top form in the Kirin Megumi Handicap (1200m).
Parnham deputises for his brother Brad who underwent appendix surgery earlier in the week.
Indian Pacific, a promising Zoustar three-year-old, has won four of five starts and is the $2.60 favourite.
“He’s a class horse and will be very competitive on Saturday,” Parnham said.
“I’m looking forward to riding him.”
Parnham said if Tradensia puts her best foot forward she is a place chance in the Belmont Oaks.
Julio Santarelli