Don’t write off Alaskan in the JC Roberts Stakes
Unfazed by his last-start defeat, trainer Neville Parnham has encouraged supporters to follow his lead and not write off the claims of Alaskan in the J.C.Roberts Stakes (1800m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Vanquished by Icebergs and track conditions that favoured on pace runners two weeks ago, Alaskan finished a disappointing 12th of 13, making little ground after going back to near last.
It broke a sequence of two consecutive wins for Alaskan, but it hasn’t diminished Parnham’s confidence and he expects a quick rebound from his three-year-old.
“I wouldn’t read too much into his last run,” Parnham told The Races WA.
“You just couldn’t run on from the back of the field.
“He’s going great.”
Parnham’s belief in Alaskan making a quick return to the winner’s list is founded and strengthened on the Playing God’s work since his last-start flop.
“He worked on Saturday and with a couple of nice ones yesterday (Tuesday) and he was quite impressive,” Parnham said.
“I think he is getting better. Earlier in his prep we couldn’t shift his winter coat, but now is glowing and dappled up.
“He certainly looks like he is still going very well and I’m expecting him to show up on Saturday.
“We’ll get a guide to see if he’s up to this sort of grade, but all indications are that he has.”
Another positive for Alaskan in the J.C.Roberts Stakes is an improved draw. With Steven Parnham in the saddle, he jumps from barrier six.
Parnham says Alaskan should be around the middle of the 13-horse field.
“He’s drawn a bit better this time,” Parnham said.
“I think he takes up a little bit more a forward position.
“I would think midfield, around that sort of area.”
Alaskan is currently rated $14 with Tab touch, behind $3.30 favourite A Lot Of Good Men.
Neville and Steven Parnham can claim their second J.C.Roberts Stakes trophy as a partnership after Platoon won in 2019.
Alaskan remains Parnham’s (Neville) sole WA Derby hope after a setback to Investmentstrategy.
The Playing God colt is in the paddock after sustaining a foot bruise.
A dual Listed winner last year, Investmentstrategy returned with a runner-up placing in last month’s Challenge Stakes (1500m).
Alaskan is $18 for the WA Derby on April 13 with betting apps.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer
Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...