PARKER’S DELIGHT AT HIS PLAN COMING TOGETHER

KERRY Parker has achieved an important goal with Wagga Gold Cup winner Flying Bandit this campaign, and says it’s “lovely when a plan comes together”.

The multiple Group 1 winning Kembla Grange trainer set out to toughen up the lightly-raced four-year-old to lay a base for spring features and, in doing so, also found another weapon in the gelding’s arsenal.

“I have molly coddled him up until now, and that’s why he has such a terrific record for a stayer (six wins from 12 starts),” Parker said today of Flying Bandit, who outstayed his rivals to land last Friday’s $200,000 Listed Gold Cup (2000m); his first runner in the race.

“It was a definite staying test, and he was really good.”

Ridden by Jay Ford, Flying Bandit ($4.60 favorite) relished the solidly run affair to defeat Bianco Vilano ($9) and recent Albury Cup winner Matusalem ($6).

Not only did Parker succeed in toughening up Flying Bandit, but in the process discovered the gelding had the capacity to back up as well.

For the first time he backed him up within a week of finishing fourth in a Benchmark 94 Handicap (1800m) at Royal Randwick the previous Saturday.

A $20,000 Adelaide yearling purchase, the Proven Thoroughbreds-raced son of Trapeze Artist took his earnings to just over $330,000 – with the promise of more to come.

“I was impressed the first time I saw him,” Parker said.

“I mentioned at the time to Proven Thoroughbreds’ boss Jamie Walter that I could not have been any more impressed if he had cost $200,000.”

Parker said Flying Bandit had come through his Wagga assignment well, and was planning to discuss the gelding’s immediate program with Walter today.

“I’m not exactly sure which way we will go, but there are a couple of Group 3 options in Brisbane during their winter carnival,” he said.

“There is the Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) at Doomben on Saturday week (May 17), and the Premier’s Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm a fortnight later.

“I’m sure Flying Bandit would appreciate the 2400m on the big Eagle Farm track.”

. Every jockey’s dream is to bring home a winner at your first ride – and Wyong apprentice Bronte Simpson has done just that.

The 23-year-old, who has a background in eventing and is apprenticed to Sara Ryan, scored on Stylebender $8.50) for fellow Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan at Muswellbrook last Friday.

Simpson partnered the seven-year-old gelding in two recent trials when placed at both the Beaumont track on April 16 and again at her home track eight days later) in preparation for both her debut, and Stylebender’s resumption.

She had the gelding away smartly in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1500m) to take up the running, and wasn’t flustered when pressured by $41 outsider Uninsurabal.

Simpson got Stylebender to give a good “kick” in the straight, and held off challenges from runner-up Pappiana ($5.50) and $2.90 favorite Tulipwood.

Stylebender was Buchanan’s 17th winner this season, and her career 318th.

Newcastle trainers Paul Perry and David Atkins were successful at their home track meeting yesterday.

Perry took the Midway Benchmark 64 Handicap (1890m) with General Soho ($6), ridden by Aaronm Bullock.

The nine-year-old gelding has been a mainstay of the stable; this being his 10th success and he has also been placed on 13 occasions.

Atkins won the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1350m) with Scholl Deep ($3.80), partnered by Jean Van Overmeire.

The four-year-old daughter of Kermadec has been racing consistently, and clinched her third success.

. Gosford trainer Nick Mitchell went bush yesterday to win his fourth race of the current season.

Mitchell’s four-year-old Skittlz ($6), ridden by apprentice Leeshelle Small, broke through in the Maiden Handicap, easily defeating $13 chance Withania.

Story John Curtis, May 4, 2025 - Pics Bernard Humphreys