Country sprinter Without Parallel strengthened her credentials for a start in the $2 million The Kosciuszko with a runaway victory in the Highway Handicap at Rosehill. The lightly raced mare thrived in the heavy conditions, cruising to a decisive 4-3/4 length win as the $2.45 betting favourite.
Trainer Matt Dunn had indicated earlier that the trip to Sydney was designed to showcase the filly’s talent for a Kosciuszko slot, and she delivered in style. Sitting close to the speed, she took control on the home turn and powered away to defeat Via Vegas ($18), with Cougars ($8) a further half-head behind in third place.
“We really have to start thinking seriously about The Kosciuszko now,” Dunn said. “Horses can make the leap from Highway races to that level, but they need to dominate like she did today. I took a similar approach with Derry Grove, who won two Highways before running in The Kosciuszko. This mare is similar – she took a bit to put it together, but now she’s really coming into her own.”
Without Parallel has now won all four of her starts, having recorded two victories in the NSW Northern Rivers region before resuming with back-to-back wins at Eagle Farm and Rosehill. Dunn admitted he had some concerns about the heavy 10 track, as she had never raced on ground worse than a soft 6, but those doubts were put to rest.
“The only question I had was whether she’d get through the heavy going, but she’s handled it perfectly,” Dunn said. “She’s built like a speed horse – athletic, nimble, and with a great action. On a dry track, I expected her to do this, but it’s even more pleasing to see her handle the wet.”
Following her dominant display, Without Parallel has been marked at $26 for the The Kosciuszko (1200m) to be held at Randwick on October 18 as part of The Everest carnival.