Detective has stamped himself as a Caulfield Guineas prospect with a smart win in the Listed Starlight Express Room Stakes (1400m) at Flemington this afternoon.
Detective produced a strong kick to win the Starlight Express Room Stakes at Flemington this afternoon. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Detective was specked in Starlight Express Room Stakes betting markets in the hours leading up to jump, and did his chances of success no harm whatsoever when he found an ideal position on pace early in the race.
Offered a clear racing line upon arriving at the final straight, the Snitzel colt immediately responded when asked for an extra effort and pulled clear; sustaining a strong-enough run to finish ahead of a flying Tessera and Throssell.
Jockey Chris Parnham delivered a gem of a ride aboard Detective to win the Starlight Express Room Stakes, and believes the horse will only improve as he gets up to a mile and beyond.
“He relaxed perfectly for me,” Parnham said.
“They didn’t go really hard, but I was really happy with the way he relaxed. I always had a lap full of horse coming into the corner and I just waited as long as I could before I asked the question of him.
“He did find a couple of lengths when I asked him but I actually thought with 150m to go that the other horses would go past him.
“He fought on really well and it was a tough win. I think he could get a mile plus just with his attitude and the way he relaxes.”
Trainer Peter Snowden was on hand for Detective’s win in the Starlight Express Room Stakes and was quick to lay all the praise on the improving ability of the horse, as well as Parnham’s ride.
“The seconds are becoming wins now – it’s two for two this prep and it’s good to see him show a bit of fight,” Snowden said.
“For me this preparation we just wanted to win a race with him. He did that on Wyong but here today, a step up in class and he’s done it again.
“There’s some races coming up. Whether he’s a Guineas horse I don’t know, but he’s in it and we’ll keep heading down that path and see what happens.
“He settles really well and is getting strong in his work and in himself physically, so it’s a big ask from that today but if he keeps on improving we’ll work with him.”
In taking out the Listed Starlight Express Room Stakes, Detective has posted an impressive two wins and four minors through seven career starts.
