Sydney’s champion trainer Chris Waller came up with a novel description of Paret after the gelding’s win at Rosehill Gardens.
“Paret is a second-tier good horse,’’ Waller said.
“Each carnival we see one go through the grades and I’m hoping it is Paret this spring.
“He could get to the Epsom Handicap, we will see how he goes.’’
Paret ($3.90 favourite) was brilliantly ridden by Hugh Bowman, coming from well back in the field with a ground-saving run near the rails before he forced his way through a narrow gap to win by a widening one-and-a-quarter lengths from stablemate Snitzel Day ($9) with Groundbreak ($6) running on well for third.
Waller said Paret has always shown ability on the training track but the decision to geld him could be the makings of him as a racehorse.
“He wasn’t an aggressive colt, wasn’t unruly, it wasn’t anything noticeable but clearly he is better as a gelding,’’ Waller said.
“With respect to the opposition, he is probably a better horse racing in moderate grade. Some horses don’t get beyond this grade but Paret should, he certainly has the ability.’’
Waller is hoping Paret is his 2018 version of Boban, a racehorse loaded with talent who found his best form after being gelded.
Boban raced his way through the grades during the 2013 spring carnival culminating with his dual Group 1 successes in the Epsom Handicap and Emirates Stakes.
Waller said he was buoyed by Paret’s first-up run when third to Star Of Monsoon two weeks ago.
“Jay Ford rode Paret very well in that race and said he has come back a better horse and will win a Group race,’’ Waller said.
“Hugh is our stable jockey so it was good to get his opinion of Paret today. It was a great ride, patient ride by Hugh and that was a big key to his win.
“I’ve purposely got a few of them like Paret up a bit earlier to help build their confidence and hopefully win a race or two.
“I can back off Paret a little, he doesn’t have to race again for another four weeks.’’
What impressed Waller and Bowman most was Paret’s willingness to take the gap between runners half-way down the straight before sprinting clear for an easy win.
“Paret wanted to be there,’’ Waller said. “Colts will have a bit of a look at it but geldings normally go straight through the gap.’’ – The Daily Telegraph
