Parnham Adamant Pambella Can Rise To The Challenge.
Neville Parnham insists his filly Pambella can cause a major upset in the Challenge Stakes (1500m) and dethrone the all-conquering cerise and white army of owner Bob Peters and co-trainers Grant and Alana Williams.
The Peters and Williams combination dominated last year’s Challenge Stakes with stable mates Creative Hero, Regal Power and Final Hearing occupying the first three placings in the $100,000 Listed feature.
There is strong consensus the powerful triumvirate will again hold honours in the 2020 edition of the Challenge Stakes with Superstorm ($1.55) and Tuscan Queen ($3.90) holding one-two market leadership.
Superstorm, a son of Sebring, has just the one win to his name, but impressed when he flashed home for fourth behind Kay Cee in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) last December.
Tuscan Queen, a Fastnet Rock filly, underlined her talent with victory in the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600), was runner-up in the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) and ran seventh in the Kingston Town.
Superstorm held sway over his stable mate in a warm up trial, running on solidly for third behind Floyd. Tuscan Queen trailed behind in last position and wasn’t fully extended.
Parnham says Pambella had improved since breaking through and shedding her maiden status at her ninth start at Pinjarra earlier in January. The Playing God filly cleared away to win by two lengths after being near last on straightening.
Pambella, rated a $34 chance in the Challenge Stakes, was unextended when a close fifth to Devoted Star in a 930m Lark Hill trial on Monday.
In a field of nine starters in the Challenge Stakes, Pambella has drawn barrier five. Steven Parnham retains the ride.
Superstorm, on trial for a Melbourne autumn campaign, will start from gate two for champion jockey, William Pike.
Peter Hall and Tuscan Queen combine from barrier seven.
Despite her outside status, Parnham said Pambella is in with great claims and won’t be out of place in the three-year-old feature.
“She is pretty smart and we have taken a while to find her form,” Parnham told Tabradio.
“She’s run good races behind Tycoon Storm and Beffunjar when they were in top form.
“She’s always shown a bit of promise and likes the speed on.
“She can sit off the pace and come with a strong finish.
“Her last start win at Pinjarra was very, very good.
“Superstorm shows all the promise, but has only ever won one race.
“I’m not doubting he has good ability, but he’s in the same boat as Pambella, he’s only won one race.
“Tuscan Queen has class, but her trial was only average.
“I think she (Pambella) has excellent claims of finishing in the first three or four.”
Julio Santarelli