Ascot-based trainer Neville Parnham is hoping to go back-to-back in the Group 2 TabTouch Perth Cup (2400m) at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday.
Parnham has two live hopes in the race, last year’s winner Neufbosc, and his six-year-old gelding Platoon.
Neufbosc heads into the race on a different program to last year but has shown despite not winning, that his best is still very good and will certainly be competitive in this race.
Having finished only 2.2 lengths behind Kissonallforcheeks in the Group 3 RJ Peters (1500m), he impressed again dropping back to an unsuitable 1400m in the Listed Carbine Club where he was only beaten 3 lengths and then finished 2.7 lengths behind Regal Power in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m).
The gelding by Mastercraftsman has won three of his six races over 2400m, so the rise in trip will certainly help his chances of winning.
Platoon hasn’t won for over 300 days or further than 1800m, but he has showed this preparation that he is a serious contender for this race.
Last start in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m), he worked home strongly with 59kg to finish second to multiple Group 1 winner, Regal Power.
The gelding by Playing God, drops to 56kg which brings him right into the race. He will need some luck from barrier 13, but he does naturally go back.
If victorious, it will be the third time Parnham has won the race since 1999/00.