On a sentimental note Josh Parr would have been thrilled to ride Skilled in Saturday’s Randwick Guineas but he is more than happy with the decision which gives him the opportunity on stablemate Retrieve.
Darley’s number one rider Kerrin McEvoy will partner Skilled in the Group One three-year-old feature at Warwick Farm after he drew perfectly in barrier three.
That leaves Parr to ride Retrieve who returned with an eye-catching second in the Group Two Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill behind Guineas favourite Ilovethiscity.
Parr is in the unique position of having ridden all three of the colts in Group One races and believes Derby-bound Retrieve heads into the 1600m Guineas with genuine winning claims.
“I rode him in work on Tuesday morning and it was very good work,” Parr said.
“He’s drawn a tricky barrier in eight, I probably won’t go in with a set plan but he’s very versatile which helps me and helps our chances.”
McEvoy said he discussed the race with key people at Darley before the decision was made that he partner Skilled, winner of the Group One Champagne Stakes over the distance last season.
“Darley and myself chatted about it and thought it was his main race for the season so it was decided that I would ride him,” McEvoy said.
“He’s done well since his last race (when third in the Hobartville), I rode him the other morning, he’s looking well and he has drawn a nice marble. He’s in the race right up to his ears.”
Parr scored a breakthrough Group One win on Skilled in the Champagne Stakes so that horse holds a special place in his heart.
He has also ridden Retrieve on three occasions for a victory in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) and seconds in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) and Hobartville.
“He ran terrific first-up,” Parr said.
“His ideal distance is probably a mile and a quarter (2000m) and possibly a mile and a half (2400m) and all those good stayers usually sprint well fresh.
“Obviously Ilovethiscity is in there again, but I think the extra furlong (200m) is only going to help my bloke.”
Parr rode the Grahame Begg-trained Ilovethiscity in the Group One Golden Rose (1400m) where the in-form colt had no luck when third to Toorak Toff.
Ilovethiscity showed he was on target for Group One success when he sprinted clear to win the Hobartville by 1-1/4-lengths.
He was installed the $2.60 Guineas favourite with TAB Sportsbet on Wednesday after coming up with barrier five in the 11-horse field.
The Darley duo are rated his biggest dangers with Skilled at $4.60 ahead of Retrieve ($7).
Pressday ($9) will start from the outside barrier but is unbeaten in two starts at 1600m.
AAP TURF
