Chris Parnham enjoyed another top day in the saddle on Saturday, booting home a winning double at Belmont.
Parnham’s meeting was headlined by an expected win aboard Hanchi in the $100,000 Jolly Beggar Stakes (1000m), the Sean and Jake Casey-trained gelding too good for Ghost Who Walks and Cut The Talk.
Hanchi justified his favouritism in the small field of six runners, travelling sweetly throughout and looked the winner as the field rounded the turn. Hooked to the outside by Parnham he drew clear to win by a decisive 1 ¼ length margin.
Parnham, who rode Hanchi two weeks earlier when runner-up to Madhi Girl, says he has a good handle on the five-year-old and believes he has more to offer and wouldn’t look out of place in the $1 million Golden Saddle (1200m) in Kalgoorlie.
“I thought his run the start before was really good,” Parnham said on Tabradio.
“The small field was always going to play in his hands.
“I though he presented really well.
“He’s clearly effective at the 1000m but has won over 1200m before.
“The way he races I don’t think it will bother him.
“I don’t think he would disgrace himself if he headed in that direction (Golden Saddle).
“If he lined up, he would give it a shake, I reckon.”
The inaugural Golden Saddle, Australia’s richest regional race, is set for Kalgoorlie Cup Day, October 4.
While Hanchi did it with ease, Scully had to fight for his win in the Unite Resourcing Handicap (1200m).
After being hindered for a run in the straight, Parnham took the inside route and engaged in a battle with Little Silver, sailing along the fence to win by a head.
Scully, a recent recruit from the eastern states, is trained by Neville Parnham and showed improvement after running fourth on debut in WA.
“I was in a bit of a sticky position but luckily the seas parted,” Parnham said.
“He sprinted through really strongly.
“He gives a really nice feel and comes from Victoria where he ran some good races.
“I think he can progress through his grades a little bit further here.
“The competition is not as strong in Perth on a Saturday compared to Melbourne.
“He’ll have opportunities to win more races.”
Julio Santarelli