GOULBURN CUP ON FLYING BANDIT’S AGENDA

KEMBLA Grange trainer Kerry Parker is eyeing the Goulburn Cup as his talented stayer Flying Bandit’s first-up assignment.

Amongst 143 entries for the $5m Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18, the Wagga Cup winner won a trial on the inner track at home this morning.

Ridden by his regular jockey Jay Ford, Flying Bandit settled last in the 1150m heat, but his class shone through as he quickly rounded up his five rivals in the straight.

Parker also had the gelding in a 1200m Open trial at Warwick Farm, where the track was a ‘Heavy 8’, but took the opportunity to stay at home on a ‘Soft 7’ surface.

Flying Bandit, who has won six of his 13 starts, hasn’t raced since finishing seventh to subsequent Group 2 Brisbane Cup winner Campaldino in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm on May 31.

He drew one from the outside in a capacity field, and kept making ground in the straight from a long way back.

“This was Flying Bandit’s first trial back, and he came through it well,” Parker said.

“Rather than trial again, we might go to the Goulburn Cup first-up with him.”

The $200,000 Cup (1400m) will be run on Sunday, August 24 and carries Big Dance eligibility for the winner.

Parker had a busy time at the 12-trial session, saddling nine runners – and also winning with Well Timed, Bobs Back, Miss Maclaine and Winning Rulet.

Meanwhile, he has a decision to make whether to chase a hat-trick with another promising stable member Wild Thoughts, who races in the same Proven Thoroughbreds colours as Flying Bandit.

Wild Thoughts ($1.65 favorite) made it two in a row at home when he beat five rivals in a Class 1 Handicap (1500m) yesterday.

“His behaviour was a lot better yesterday, and he did the job well and ate up well overnight,” Parker said.

“I was thinking about taking him to town for an 1800m Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap at Rosehill at the end of the month, but I might send him to the paddock.

“It never hurts sending them for a break as a winner.”

By the same sire So You Think as Parker’s now retired champ Think It Over, Wild Thoughts was a $45,000 purchase at the 2023 Inglis Classic yearling sale.

“We were able to buy him on the cheaper side because he was a bit different to most of the stallion’s stock,” Parker said.

“He wasn’t as tall and a bit more compact, but a lovely animal just the same who was always going to need time.”

Now a four-year-old, Wild Thoughts has started only four times.

Stablemate Penalties, who looked home at Kembla Grange a fortnight ago until Wild Thoughts ran him down in a race which carried a $100,000 Inglis Xtras Bonus, is an acceptor for Newcastle tomorrow in a Midway Maiden Plate (1400m).

However, Newcastle was rated a ‘Heavy 10’ this morning and more rain is forecast for later in the day.

Story John Curtis, August 8, 2025