Playing God has come through his Melbourne spring campaign in top order and is thriving ahead of his Group One assignment in Saturday’s Railway Stakes at Ascot.
Trainer Neville Parnham said the four-year-old was relishing being home in Perth after a five-start carnival campaign in Melbourne.
While he didn’t win in the southern capital he was Group One placed behind December Draw and Glass Harmonium in the Turnbull Stakes and finished 11th in the Cox Plate.
“I am extremely happy with my horse,” Parnham told Perth Racing.
“He travelled back from Victoria in perfect order and he has really thrived back on home soil.”
Playing God is already a Group One winner having claimed the Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot last year.
He will have to contend with top weight of 57kg in the Railway (1600m) but Parnham is happy with his midfield draw of barrier nine.
“The barrier looks ideal for him and I couldn’t be happier,” Parnham said.
“When the weights came out I was pleased with his weight, but unfortunately a few of the top weights went amiss and we now have to carry 57kg.
“It’s not the end of the world, but a horse like Avienus (53kg) looks well suited in my opinion.”
Playing God delivered Parnham his first Group One success in the Kingston Town in which he was partnered by the trainer’s son Steven who will again be in the saddle.
“The horse is going really well. It’s an exciting race this year and I am happy to be aboard my bloke,” Steven Parnham said.
“I was pleased with his efforts in Victoria against the top grade and since he has returned home, he has really blossomed.”
AAP TURF
