Highway an audition for 2025 The Kosciuszko for Without Parallel

Unbeaten filly Without Parallel is set to make her Sydney debut at Rosehill on Saturday in a Highway Handicap (1200m) as trainer Matt Dunn looks to put her on the path to the $2 million The Kosciuszko. Dunn has often used the approach of testing young prospects in Brisbane’s Saturday metropolitan races before targeting Sydney, and Without Parallel has followed that same path.

“Younger horses must prove themselves at Saturday level in Queensland. Older horses can get away with a midweek race, but youngsters need to show they can compete or win at that higher level,” Dunn said. “She’s done exactly that and fits the mould nicely.”

After two dominant wins in country NSW, the filly was spelled to mature before returning with an impressive all-the-way win at Eagle Farm. Dunn believes she has the toughness and speed to handle Saturday’s heavy track and stake a claim for a Kosciuszko slot.

“We’re close to The Kosciuszko now, and she’s a fast filly who runs a strong 1200m. That’s why she’s in Sydney this week,” Dunn explained. “She’s small but tough. Her first-up win in Brisbane was full of merit after doing a bit of work, so she deserves her shot.”

Another filly in Dunn’s stable, Vivika, could also be Kosciuszko-bound if she impresses at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Vivika was runner-up on debut to Sunrays, a subsequent stakes performer, before scoring first-up at Grafton. “She’s got sharpness and real talent. Hopefully she’ll be the next one we take south,” Dunn said.

Dunn confirmed that import Sea King is recovering well from a tendon injury and is being aimed at a late-summer return to racing.