Indian Pacific will concentrate on feature WA races this year after trainer Neville Parnham ruled out a Melbourne spring campaign.
Parnham confirmed Indian Pacific would have a short break and prepare for the Ascot carnival after Saturday’s Belmont Newmarket (1200m).
Indian Pacific led and was in front with 50m remaining, but with 61.5kg on his back, he tired late to run a gallant third behind Samizdat.
“I was happy with his performance and thought it was brave,” Parnham told The Races WA.
“In a perfect world he would be going to Melbourne, but it’s become complicated with COVID.
“I have no problems getting to Melbourne, but there’s a chance he might not be able to come back when we want to.
“I want him back for our carnival and if we went across there is no guarantee that could happen.
“He can go over in the autumn for races like the Newmarket and Oakleigh Plate, races that suit him.
“He’s in the paddock and can come back for the Ascot carnival.
“He’ll target the Colonel Reeves, the Prince Of Wales and if good enough the Winterbottom Stakes.”
Meanwhile Parnham said Malibu Style had run his final race when he trailed the field in the Belmont Newmarket.
The ten-year-old won 11 races from 74 starts and earned a touch over $1 million in stake earnings.
Melbourne captured his best wins in the Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, the Doveton Stakes (1000m) at SandownDoveton Stakes and The Sprint Final (1200m) at Flemington.
Parnham has flagged a potential change of plans for Platoon at the Ascot carnival.
The son of Playing God was tried over ground last campaign including the Perth Cup (2400m) when he ran a competitive fifth to stable mate Neufbosc.
“We’ve always taken him up in distance, but we might map out his program differently,” Parnham said.
“He won a Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) off a freshen up, so maybe he needs to be on the fresh side, rather than consistently race him.
“Maybe keep him to a shorter journey and up to a mile.
“He’s been back in work for two weeks and is jumping out of his skin.
“He’s much more of a mature horse than he was earlier in the year.”
Parnham is also excited to see what Bam’s On Fire can produce at the Ascot carnival, he believes there are a range of options open to the daughter of Universal Ruler.
Bam’s On Fire commenced her career in Perth for Mark Forder before she was transferred to Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.
She won five races and was placed on nine occasions from 20 starts for the Melbourne co-trainers, her best result the Group 3 Anniversary Cup (1400m).
“She is looking absolutely brilliant and has spelled superbly,” Parnham said.
“I can’t believe the weight she has put on.
“Nothing is set in stone, but I have a feel for a couple of races.
“There’s the mares’ series, the Winterbottom or she could be better off in a handicap like the Railway Stakes.
“I’m looking forward to starting her from scratch.
“I think she is in a good head space.”
Parnham said Neufbosc would commence his campaign in the Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) on August 28.
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au