Trainer Neville Parnham is optimistic Demolish can overturn a run of close finishes and gain the elusive upper hand in Saturday’s Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m) at Ascot.
Demolish is bursting to win a feature race after three consecutive second placings including the past two behind Another Chino in the J.C.Roberts Stakes (1800m) and Melvista Stakes (2200m).
Demolish shot clear in the Melvista Stakes two weeks ago and looked a genuine winning chance inside the final 100m before Another Chino got up to claim victory in the shadows of the post.
Neville Parnham said Demolish had come through the Melvista Stakes in top order and he’s confident the Rich Enuff gelding will run another competitive race in the Derby.
“I’m rapt with him actually,” Parnham told The Races WA.
“He bounces out of each run like he hasn’t been around.
“That’s not common with three-year-olds and he certainly hasn’t gone backwards.
“He’s a tough nut and that takes you a long way.”
A WA Derby win for Demolish would justify Parnham’s decision to press ahead and tackle the three-year-old classic race.
The plan was hatched following the final run of his previous campaign last November when second to Playhouse Patron over 1700m.
Despite his pedigree, Parnham doesn’t believe the 2400m Derby trip will pose a problem for Demolish.
“His last run before he went out I thought I might give the horse a month off and prepare him for the Derby, I think he can stay,” Parnham said.
“It was never really in our thoughts he would stay because it wasn’t in his immediate pedigree that he had staying blood.
“But he’s a big, tall lanky thing who looks like a stayer and it certainly looks like he can.
“I don’t think the 2400m will be a problem at all.
“He’s in great form and I’m sure he will make his presence felt.”
In a field of eight WA Derby entrants, Demolish has drawn barrier three for jockey, Steven Parnham.
Demolish is currently $7 with Tabtouch, the market headed by eastern states raider, Awesome John at $3.60.
WA Oaks winner She’s Fit is $3.70, Another Chino $4.40 and Playhouse Patron $6.
