Voodoo Lad bound for the top level

Jockey Chris Parnham believes Voodoo Lad is destined to make his mark at the top level after a last-to-first win at Moonee Valley.

Parnham ended up further back than he had hoped on Voodoo Lad in Saturday’s SAJ Fruit Supply Stakes (1200m) after he stepped away slowly.

But was stunned by the gelding’s turn of foot as he came from last approaching the home corner.

Parnham said he hadn’t had a horse let down like that for him.

“He let down like a superstar,” Parnham said.

“He missed the kick and was nice and relaxed which is not like him. I thought he might manage to run midfield from where he was but to blow them away like he did was a really good job.”

Voodoo Lad, the $2.70 favourite, won by a length over Keen Array with three quarters of a length to Sebring Sun third.

Parnham is unbeaten on Voodoo Lad from three rides including back-to-back Listed wins in the Regal Roller Stakes at Caulfield and Saturday’s race.

Voodoo Lad’s only defeats in his past five starts have been placings in two straight-course races at Flemington in July.

“Obviously he’s a lot better around a corner. I think he’s Group One standard,” Parnham said.