Unfazed by his last-start defeat, trainer Neville Parnham has encouraged supporters to follow his lead and not write off the claims of Alaskan in the J.C.Roberts Stakes (1800m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Vanquished by Icebergs and track conditions that favoured on pace runners two weeks ago, Alaskan finished a disappointing 12th of 13, making little ground after going back to near last.
It broke a sequence of two consecutive wins for Alaskan, but it hasn’t diminished Parnham’s confidence and he expects a quick rebound from his three-year-old.
“I wouldn’t read too much into his last run,” Parnham told The Races WA.
“You just couldn’t run on from the back of the field.
“He’s going great.”
Parnham’s belief in Alaskan making a quick return to the winner’s list is founded and strengthened on the Playing God’s work since his last-start flop.
“He worked on Saturday and with a couple of nice ones yesterday (Tuesday) and he was quite impressive,” Parnham said.
“I think he is getting better. Earlier in his prep we couldn’t shift his winter coat, but now is glowing and dappled up.
“He certainly looks like he is still going very well and I’m expecting him to show up on Saturday.
“We’ll get a guide to see if he’s up to this sort of grade, but all indications are that he has.”
Another positive for Alaskan in the J.C.Roberts Stakes is an improved draw. With Steven Parnham in the saddle, he jumps from barrier six.
Parnham says Alaskan should be around the middle of the 13-horse field.
“He’s drawn a bit better this time,” Parnham said.
“I think he takes up a little bit more a forward position.
“I would think midfield, around that sort of area.”
Alaskan is currently rated $14 with Tab touch, behind $3.30 favourite A Lot Of Good Men.
Neville and Steven Parnham can claim their second J.C.Roberts Stakes trophy as a partnership after Platoon won in 2019.
Alaskan remains Parnham’s (Neville) sole WA Derby hope after a setback to Investmentstrategy.
The Playing God colt is in the paddock after sustaining a foot bruise.
A dual Listed winner last year, Investmentstrategy returned with a runner-up placing in last month’s Challenge Stakes (1500m).
Alaskan is $18 for the WA Derby on April 13 with betting apps.
