Trainer Russell Stewart oozes confidence with his top gelding Street Parade going into the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra on Saturday.
A $40,000 Magic Millions Perth yearling, Street Parade made an outstanding winning debut last November before Russell Stewart tipped him out for a break.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of his sire Lucky Street, a Magic Millions 2YO champion in 2015, Street Parade lost no admirers on his return in January.
The promising gelding went back from a wide draw, made a sustained run and loomed a winner in the straight, but peaked on his run.
With Shaun Mcgruddy occupying riding duties again, Street Parade finished a more than credible third behind She’s Greysful and Sheeza Belter.
Stewart said Street Parade had improved significantly from his January 24 run, a race he firmly believes will be the best form reference.
“I’ve found three lengths and I think that’s all I’ve had to find,” Stewart said on Tabradio.
“He’s gone on since the run and is very good.
“No disrespect to the other runners, the horses that raced in that race will be winning the Magic Millions.
“I think that’s where the winner is going to come from, that’s the form race going in.
“I think Lukie’s (Fernie) two, Hayden’s (Ballantyne), mine and Neville’s (Parnham), I think your winner’s there.”
Fernie holds a strong hand in the event with Sheeza Belter, Man Crush, fourth to the Hayden Ballantyne-trained She’s Greysful and Celebrity Icon engaged.
After a hat trick of smart trial wins, Red Hot Goods, from the Parnham yard, was slow to recover after finishing sixth to She’s Greysful on debut.
“Don’t discount Red Hot Goods as well,” Stewart said.
“I see him at the track and that horse is pretty good.”
Punters are right behind Stewart’s form assessment.
Street Parade is the $3.90 favourite with Sheeza Belter at $4.20 and She’s Greysful $4.40.
All The King’s Men is the only other runner in single figure odds ($8.50).
Man Crush is next at $11 and Red Hot Goods is currently rated a $13 chance.
Stewart believes his high regard for Street Parade will be justified.
“I’ve always had a big opinion of him,” Stewart said.
“He’s showed it from the start and has got the talent.
“It was a big run the other day and he’s come off that bouncing.”
Stewart’s other big ally is McGruddy. He holds a top record in the race after booting home Ex Sport Man (2021), Lucy Mae (2017), The River (2016) and Wolfe Dreams (2009).
Street Parade has drawn barrier 12.
