Drop in distance to suit Parker
A drop in distance might just be what Parker is looking for. The Paul Lafferty-trained runner has run some decent races since joining the yard this season but has not been able to get his nose in front.
Today he runs in a MR 98 Handicap over 1600m at Scottsville after being campaigned over 1800m and 1900m recently. The four-year-old son of Lundy’s Liability is a strong front-runner and as he proved when finishing a long-head second behind Serissa over 1800m at Clairwood, he does not give up. That day Parker carried 63.5kg but kept on resolutely to the line.
He proved disappointing in the Listed Michaelmas Handicap over 1900m at Greyville last time out, when fading behind King Neptune to finish 11th, beaten 5.85 lengths. That was his first run under lights and that could have been the reason for his failure.
This time he is ideally drawn at No 2 and will be partnered by Brandon Lerena, a jockey who rides well from the front.
King Jace scored a good win last time, flying late to beat Tuscan in a 1600m event at Greyville. He had Henchman and Jamal behind him and although they are weighted to finish closer, the Garth Puller-trained runner should be able to hold them off.
King Of Torts has raced in stronger company but comes back from a 142-day layoff. Duncan Howells has his stable in good form, so this four-year-old son of Mogok must be respected, especially because two of his three career victories have come at Scottsville.
