European import Elamaz too good in Australian debut

Josh Parr made a triumphant return to Sydney on Saturday with a hat-trick of victories at Rosehill, including a strong front-running effort aboard Elamaz in the McKell Cup.

Parr had endured a lean winter campaign in Queensland, his only win coming in the Gold Coast Guineas, but returned home to strike with three wins from six rides.

His winners included Rolling Magic in the Midway Handicap (1300m), Thunderlips in the Schweppes Handicap (1500m), and Elamaz in the McKell Cup (2000m). He also recorded minor placings on Pure Alpha and Snack Bar.

“I have been going to Brisbane and it has been a whitewash to be honest,” Parr said. “I had a bit of luck early with Bosustow and then it was downhill from there.”

“It just slowed my momentum up so I was really happy to take a good book of rides here today and they have turned up and delivered for me.”

Elamaz, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, was having his first run since September and was trying the 2000m journey for the first time. Though the plan was to find cover, Parr dictated from the front and held off Belvedere Boys in a gritty win.

“There was a period down the side where he had no clue where he was, leading the race here at Rosehill, and he’s done well to fight off every challenger,” Parr said.

Tulloch Lodge rep Neil Paine praised the stable’s preparation and noted the goal was to lift Elamaz’s rating ahead of the spring carnival.

“These imported horses tend to go well fresh, and this was a great way to start his Australian career,” Paine said. “He’ll probably have a short freshen-up before targeting bigger races.”

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