Rising star Without Parallel will chase a spot in the $2 million The Kosciuszko when she makes her first Sydney appearance at Rosehill this Saturday. The unbeaten filly, trained by Matt Dunn, has followed the trainer’s tried-and-true path of proving herself in Brisbane’s Saturday metropolitan grade before being sent south to contest the Highway Handicap (1200m).
“With younger horses, they need to be competitive in Saturday-grade races in Queensland before stepping up,” Dunn said. “Older horses can get away with a midweek win, but for the young ones it’s important they prove themselves at that level, which she has done. She ticks the boxes perfectly.”
After two wins in the NSW Northern Rivers, Without Parallel was spelled to develop further. On her return, she scored an impressive all-the-way win at Eagle Farm, convincing Dunn to give her a chance in Sydney. Although Saturday’s heavy track will be unfamiliar, Dunn is confident her racing pattern will see her adapt well.
“The Kosciuszko is getting close now and she’s a speed horse who runs out a strong 1200m. That’s why she’s in Sydney this week,” Dunn said. “We decided to send her down to have a crack at Highway company and see what she can do. She’s tough despite not being overly big, and she did a lot of work first-up but still stuck on well.”
Stablemate Vivika is another filly Dunn hopes to see in The Kosciuszko. Runner-up to future stakes winner Sunrays on debut, she returned to win first-up at Grafton and runs at Eagle Farm on Saturday, with a strong showing likely earning her a trip south.
“She’s sharp and talented,” Dunn said. “She’s still learning, but I think she’s a genuine sprinter with a future.”
Dunn added that import Sea King, recovering from a tendon injury, is on track to return to racing for a late summer campaign.