Unbeaten mare stakes claims for $2m The Kosciuszko

Lightly raced mare Without Parallel has rocketed into contention for the $2 million The Kosciuszko after blitzing her Highway Handicap rivals at Rosehill on Saturday. Sent out as the $2.45 betting favourite, the Matt Dunn-trained four-year-old surged to the front on the turn before careering away to win by 4-3/4 lengths.

Dunn, who has a proven record in Highway races, said the dominant display proved that Without Parallel deserves serious consideration for a Kosciuszko slot. She defeated Via Vegas ($18) comfortably, with Cougars ($8) finishing another half-head away in third.

“I think we’ve got to start planning for The Kosciuszko now,” Dunn said. “When you see a horse win like that, it tells you they’re ready for the next step. We followed the same path with Derry Grove, who also came through the Highways before heading to The Kosciuszko. This mare gives me similar vibes – she’s just starting to really hit her straps.”

The win maintained Without Parallel’s perfect record, having won her first two starts in the NSW Northern Rivers before resuming with victories at Eagle Farm and now Rosehill. Dunn said his only concern pre-race was the heavy 10 track, as the mare had never raced on such testing conditions.

“The heavy ground was the unknown, but she’s ticked that box in style,” Dunn said. “She’s the right type – sharp, athletic, and adaptable. If it had been a dry track, I’d have expected her to win like that, but she’s now shown she can handle all conditions.”

Following her impressive display, Without Parallel is currently priced at $26 for the The Kosciuszko (1200m) at Randwick on October 18 during The Everest carnival.