Parnham warms to east coast as he gives the west a win in Origin Jockey Series

AFTER striking a blow for Western Australia in Saturday’s Origin Jockey Series, Brad Parnham indicated he may return east next month searching for rides as a freelance.

Brad Parnham drives Sir Donald to the line to win the third heat of the Origin Jockey Series. Picture: Natasha Wood, Trackside Photography

AFTER striking a blow for Western Australia in Saturday’s Origin Jockey Series, Brad Parnham indicated he may return east next month searching for rides as a freelance.

Parnham turned in a neat display on the talented Sir Donald, to narrowly defy Kiwi representatives Damian Browne (Flo Jo Snip) and Larry Cassidy (Board Director) in heat three of the six race series.

He later completed a winning double on the Bruce Brown-trained Khaleesi.

Parnham has flown the WA flag with his brothers Steve and Chris in the first two weeks of the Origin, but will make way for Damien Oliver when the series concludes on January 7.

“I’m pleased to have got one back for the state,” Parnham said.

“We’ve really enjoyed being a part of it and I’ve decided I will probably come over again that day and chase a few rides, even though I won’t be part of the Origin that day.”

Trainer Michael Nolan said he feared for Sir Donald’s chances when Parnham failed to cross Flo Jo Snip early, but Parnham said he was happy to sit off the leader.

“I came out looking to lead but Browney (Damian Browne) was keen to do the same, so I was happy to sit off him,” Parnham said.

Nolan said it was a relief to see Sir Donald back in form after what he described as a “terrible” run at Eagle Farm.

“We just gave him some time after that race, tinkered with a few things and thankfully he’s bounced back,” Nolan said.

“He’s a good little galloper.”

Later Dylan Dunn notched his first Queensland winner when Binnalong Road overpowered Fiery Heights in the second leg of the series.

Dylan gave South Australia its first win of the series and he gave a big salute after passing the post.

At the conclusion of the second week of the series, NSW still leads on 33 points, New Zealand is second on 22, with South Australia and WA next on 17 points. Queensland has 13 points and Victoria 8.

New South Wales will be represented by Tye Angland and Josh Parr on the final day of the series.

Unstoppable force Jeff Lloyd could only manage a treble at Doomben. Come on, Jeff, must do better. Picture: Natasha Wood, Trackside Photography

Please explain

HOUTZEN was originally slated as second emergency for Saturday’s two-year-old event, which had connections miffed earlier in the week. The filly had won a Gold Coast trial, yet the unseen Sozzled and Francisca were both placed above her in the order of entry for the race. Given punters desperation for early season trial form, it seems ridiculous that those unseen in public get preference to a horse that has trialled and won.

Lloyd watch

JUST another lazy three winners for Jeff Lloyd on Saturday, as he took his tally to 67 metropolitan winners for the season, 36 wins short of Chris Munce’s record 2011-12 tally. Punters were all over his winners for Toby Edmonds. Two-year-old Routzen was hammered in the market, while Siegfried, winless in 650 days and off a disappointing campaign last time, was backed at double figures earlier in the week before starting favourite.

Christmas bonus

BRUCE Brown was a popular winner late in the day with Khaleesi. Brown expressed surprise the mare started at such big odds, given her consistent form. He also had a confidence booster when she won an Eagle Farm jumpout against rivals Brown described as “pretty handy” through the week. “She was under double wraps in the jumpout. If it was Winx they would have written it up and said she was unbeatable.”

Originally published as Parnham warms to east coast as he gives the west a win in Origin Jockey Series