Trainer Neville Parnham is confident he has got Platoon fit and healthy ahead of a cameo campaign at Ascot on Saturday.
Platoon is ready to open his assault in the Listed Detonator Stakes (1800m) and Neville Parnham is looking forward to his return.
“He had a nice little gallop (Wednesday) to top him off for the weekend and it’s very pleasing how he’s come up this time around,” Parnham told Tabradio.
“I’m looking forward to a short campaign, he’ll go to this race on Saturday and then most likely the Bunbury Cup (2000m).
“That might do it I’d say.”
Platoon has unfinished business to attend to after a winless Ascot carnival campaign last year.
He went without a win in six attempts, but produced best efforts in his final two races
The six-year ran second in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) and went for a break after a slashing third in the Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1.
“He ran well in the cup and ran well in the Ted Van Heemst leading into it,” Parnham said.
“I think he is a bit more stronger and a bit more mature this campaign.
“It’s made me want to go in this direction over the more distance.
“His barrier is not too bad and he’ll tuck in and hopefully have a good finish.
“He’s not bad for a horse that only cost $26,000.
‘I’m proud of the way he has performed.”
Platoon, one of two Detonator entrants for Parnham, has drawn barrier seven. Steven Parnham takes the ride.
Stablemate Neufbosc will step from barrier 15. He carries the 58.5kg topweight. Paul Harvey claims the mount.
Neufbosc has not raced since the Perth Cup, but resumes after a nice trial over 1000m at Belmont on Monday.
“I was very pleased with his trial and the way he is going,” Parnham said.
“It’s highly unlikely he can get across for the Adelaide Cup (3200m).
“We may have to go to the Bunbury, AHA and Pinjarra Cups with him.
“Unfortunately, the barrier is a bit of a killer, but he should run very well.
“When we get to the Bunbury and Pinjarra Cups, if that’s the way he goes, he’ll be at his best.”
