Local trainer Kerry Parker is on the cusp of a significant career milestone, sitting just one victory away from his 150th home-track win at Kembla Grange. With a powerful team entered for the upcoming race meeting, the popular horseman is perfectly positioned to raise the bat for this notable achievement.
A Milestone in the Making
While Parker himself doesn't typically keep a close eye on his statistics, he was pleasantly surprised to learn he has prepared 149 winners at his home track. A single victory will see him reach the 150-mark, and he is also just nine wins away from an impressive 450 career wins overall.
"That would be nice. It would be really good," Parker said. "I had no idea of either of those marks, but it will be nice to reach them."
Elivina Leads the Charge
Spearheading Parker's assault on this milestone is the promising four-year-old mare, Elivina. The daughter of Saxon Warrior will contest the Class 1 Handicap over 1400 metres, with jockey Adrian Layt booked for the ride.
Elivina has shown considerable talent in her brief career, securing a win and three placings from her five starts. She returned this campaign with a solid closing effort, finishing a three-quarter length second over the same track and distance.
"We have always had a bit of an opinion of her," Parker stated. "She is building a nice record. She just needs to win another shortly, and she will be on her way. She went terrific first-up. If she can turn up and produce the same again, she is going to be hard to beat."
Strong Supporting Cast
Parker's team for the meeting is deep with talent. He also saddles up Otono, who will be freshened up and dropped back to 1600 metres in a Benchmark 64 race. Apprentice Zac Wadick's claim will provide valuable weight relief.
Another key contender is the in-form Tom Cruising, who is chasing a hat-trick of wins after scoring twice in a row on his home track. "He is shooting for the hat-trick, the big fella," Parker said. "He is climbing up in the weights, but it's his third shot at a Benchmark 64, so he's going alright."
The stable will also be represented by Iconic Treasure, who is expected to improve significantly on a bigger track after a resuming run at Canterbury, and Equilibrist, who kicks off his new preparation. Lightly-raced pair Mrs Flanders and Leon Ruben, along with debutant Broadway Street, complete a formidable team that gives Parker an excellent chance of celebrating his milestone in style.
