Parnham says Andy can be magnificent in the Farnley Stakes

Saturday’s Listed Farnley Stakes is the starting point for classy gelding, Magnificent Andy and jockey Brad Parnham says he won’t be surprised if he comes back a winner.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if he won, but he is carrying a lot of weight compared to a horse like Triple Jay, who is in great form,” Brad Parnham said on Tab radio.

“It’s going to be tough for him, this is just a first step for him with plans to go over to Melbourne after this.

“We’re looking from him to run a good race, but if he came out and won, it wouldn’t surprise me.

“He’s been a good horse and won The Joey (1200m) first up last prep.

“He’s got the ability there and carrying that weight is going to be a little bit tough for him, hopefully he can run on.”

A dual stakes winner, the Stephen Miller-trained six-year-old won the Listed Hannans Handicap (1400m) last October and the Group 3 Hyperion Stakes (1600m), the final race of his winter campaign in June.

The son of Magnus was given a trial hit out ahead of his Farnley return, finishing fifth of five, but pleased Parnham with the way he stretched out solidly under his own terms down the middle of the Lark Hill track.

“I sort of kept a nice hold of him throughout the trial,” Parnham said.

“I was able to let him do a bit of work after the line around the corner a bit.

“I managed to get a fair bit into him there.

“I’d say he should be fit enough to go straight into a 1400m.

“He’s carrying weight but has earned it.

“Hopefully, see how it goes and if he can hit the line, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Magnificent Andy carries topweight of 62kg and in a field of 10 he jumps from barrier eight.

He has two wins and two seconds from five first up attempts and is $12 with Tab touch.

Triple Jay, the $2.50 betting site favourite, in from $3.30, has drawn barrier one for William Pike in his bid for five consecutive wins.

One of the form horses of the winter, the Dan and Ben Pearce-trained Triple Jay has been allocated 56kg.

Earlier in race seven, Parnham is keen to reunite with unbeaten four-year-old, Toropa, in the Schweppes Handicap (1200m).

The Vern Brockman-trained mare last raced a month ago when she completed her fourth straight win at Belmont.

Facing the biggest test to date in her short career, Toropa jumps from barrier one.

“The horse has been very good to date, has a good record, is unbeaten,” Parnham said.

“She’s drawn a good gate; will get a nice run and I’m hoping she’s naturally progressed.

“It will be nice to see her win again and the horse has plenty of ability.

“It will be nice for her to keep taking those steps forward.”

Toropa holds $2.60 favouritism with bookmakers ahead of Sentimental Belle at $2.80.

Parnham also expects No Brainer to be a solid winning chance in race five.