In form jockey Josh Parr is Melbourne bound looking to add a couple more Group 1 wins to his CV after a successful run in Sydney in recent weeks.
Parr won the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last week aboard El Castello who he will ride in the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.
And recent Group 3 winner Lekvarte will be Parr’s ride in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m).
Parr missed the Derby Day meeting last year when he remained in Sydney to partner Japanese galloper Obamburamai in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill.
But Parr was keen to stick with El Castello after riding the Anthony Cummings-trained galloper to victory last week, however he will need to produce something special with El Castello drawing the extreme outside barrier in the 16-horse field with two emergencies.
It is not an impossible task, with Rebel Raider in 2008 jumping from barrier 15, although the majority of winners since 2000 have drawn inside barrier 10.
But Parr is in form and is looking to parlay that good recent run of success.
“It’s a good time to get your eye in,” Parr said.
“When carnival time comes around, your motivation and focus is enhanced so much because it has to be.
“The biggest races are always won by the best ride, so if you’re not at your best and you’re not putting in the yards, you’re not going to win.
“I can’t really explain it any other way.”
El Castello will be shooting for his fifth win in succession when he lines up in the Derby, with his past two wins coming in the Group 2 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill and the Spring Champion Stakes.
It is the same program Sharp ‘N’ Smart followed when second to Manzoice in the Derby in 2022.
Lekvarte will be having her second start at Group 1 level, having finished midfield behind Bella Nipotina in the Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm during the winter.
However, Levkarte has excellent credentials at 1600m, winning five of her 10 starts at the trip including her most two recent outings.
