Ace jockey Chris Parnham believes classy mare Laced Up Heels is a strong contender to make a winning return in Saturday’s Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m) at Belmont’s final meeting of the season on Saturday.
Chris Parnham links up with the Luke Fernie -trained five-year-old after her previous run in Adelaide when she finished 10th and two lengths shy of Boognish in the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in May.
Before going interstate her form at home was solid with one win and three placings, highlighted by narrow seconds to Magnificent Andy in The Joey (1200m) and Sapphire Street in the Sheila Gwynne Classic (1400m).
Parnham, who has stolen the march in WA’s Jockey’s premiership and is second behind James Mcdonald in the Australian title, would love to add his name on the Black Heart Bart Stakes honour board behind brothers Steven and Brad.
Brad won aboard Local Legend, trained by John Price in 2007 and Steven booted home Lite’n In My Veins for Hall Of Fame trainer, Fred Kersley, a decade later.
Both siblings have undeniable claims of a second Black Heart Bart Stakes success with Brad piloting dual black-type winner, Magnificent Andy and Steven having responsibilities on current favourite, Searchin’ Roc’s
Chris and Laced Up Heels have been together on 11 occasions and proved a dynamic combination three times with the best being in the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) when they combined to inflict the first loss on Amelia’s Jewel.
Laced Up Heels warmed up for her return with a soft trial, not being asked to do too much by Chris in her 1000m heat, ending up a close second in a bunching finish behind stable mate Wild Belle.
In peak form in the saddle, Chris was upbeat about reuniting with Laced Up Heels officially and her winning prospects in the Black Heart Bart Stakes following a double on Royal Law at Belmont yesterday (Wednesday).
“Her trial was really good,” Parnham said.
“I’ve ridden her a couple of times at Ascot track work and her work has been pretty solid.
“It’s a tough race to win, obviously a lot of chances, but I believe she goes in with a fair amount of confidence.”
A quality field of 14 is slated to contest the Black Heart Bart Stakes. Laced Up Heels jumps from barrier nine.
She’s currently rated a $7.50 chance with betting sites, Searchin’ Roc’s is $3.30, in from $3.70.
Frigid is $6, Phanta $7.50 with Magnificent Andy and Aztec Ruler $8.50 with online betting companies.
Chris has another strong book of rides on Saturday, launching with $2,50 favourite Bondi Plunge in the first, Mean MacHine (R2), Miss Flirtacious (R3), Arcadia Knight (R5), Filthy Habits (R6) and Count The Sessions (R7).
He’ll be a popular pick for punters to follow and is a big chance to add to his 27-city win tally this season and maintain his momentum ahead of William Pike who is ten behind.
