Josh Parr enjoyed a stellar afternoon at Rosehill, riding a winning treble highlighted by a determined performance aboard Elamaz in the McKell Cup.
Parr had been chasing form during the Brisbane winter carnival but, having not posted a win since the Gold Coast Guineas victory on Bosustow, he returned to Sydney with immediate success.
Rolling Magic ($7) in the Midway Handicap (1300m), Thunderlips ($3.70) in the Schweppes Handicap (1500m), and Elamaz ($2.15 fav) in the McKell Cup (2000m) all saluted under Parr, while he also recorded placings aboard Pure Alpha and Snack Bar.
“I have been going to Brisbane and it has been a whitewash to be honest,” Parr said.
“I had a bit of luck early with Bosustow and then it was downhill from there. It just slowed my momentum up so I was really happy to take a good book of rides here today and they have turned up and delivered for me.”
Elamaz was tackling 2000m for the first time and having his first start since arriving in Australia. Parr had intended to take a sit but was forced to take up the lead when no cover appeared.
“Our plan wasn’t to lead the race. We were looking for cover to make it as soft as possible but that cover just wasn’t going to eventuate,” he explained.
“I had to make a decision so I pressed to the front and trusted the stable and how well they had him and he did the rest.”
Trainer Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott were praised for having the import ready to perform, and Tulloch Lodge representative Neil Paine said they were confident in the horse’s ability to handle the distance.
“We seem to have luck with them first-up. We love them,” Paine said. “This run was about boosting his rating ahead of the spring, and now that’s done, he’ll likely enjoy a short break.”
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