On the law of averages, it’s only a matter of time before jockey Brad Parnham and trainer Stephen Miller can snap an exasperating run of close finishes in feature races, the duo pinning their hopes on a change of fortune in Saturday’s Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m) at Pinjarra.
It’s been a month of frustration for Miller and Parnham; lady luck hasn’t been on their side with stable pin ups Magnificent Andy and Elite Missile racing well but ultimately finding one better and having to settle for the minor prize in their recent black-type encounters.
Magnificent Andy ran second in the Northam Stakes (1300m), Belmont Sprint (1400m) and Hyperion Stakes (1600m) before Elite Missile followed the trend when runner-up to Opportunistic in a super finish in last fortnight’s Raconteur Stakes (1400m).
The son of Smart Missile was snagged back to last by Parnham after commencing wide and was a long way from the leaders when commencing his run to the finishing line, but powered home and produced the fastest last 600m like a three-year-old going places.
Off that promising run, Parnham is more than keen to be teaming up with Elite Missile again in the Belmont Guineas, optimistic he’s the right horse that can get the job done and shake off the bridesmaid tag that’s followed he and Miller in recent times.
“I’m obviously real keen on his chances,” Parnham said on Tabradio.
“He was a great run the other day in Bunbury.
“We drew the widest gate and had to get back to last.
“He does always finish off strong, but if we can draw a little bit better and not have to give them such a big start.
“The way he was finishing off you would say the 1600m is going to probably suit him better.
“Look, I think he’s going to give them a big shake.”
Parnham and Miller can draw on Variation for Belmont Guineas inspiration.
They combined with the top War Chant gelding in 2017 when he defeated Gatting and Western Temple as favourite.
Julio Santarelli