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| Sumita Pawar |
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Kerry Parker drew a parallel to rugby league to describe the anticipated performance of comeback star Think It Over in the upcoming Winx Stakes at Royal Randwick.
"You are not going to know until he runs into a gap because it's a matter of will you pass the ball to someone else to try and hit the try line or do you pin the ears back and score yourself," Parker said.
"You see plenty of footballers coming back from injury and they are looking for someone else to pass the ball to.
"That is what it comes down to, whether under race conditions, he wants to pin the ears back and find the line or look after himself."
Returning After Injury, Think It Over Aims For Group One Glory
After a 16-month absence from racing due to a tendon injury, Think It Over is set to make his return in the first Group One race of the season. Prior to his injury, he achieved a significant victory in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, defeating notable competitors like Verry Elleegant, Anamoe, and Zaaki.
Since then, Think It Over has undergone an extensive recovery process, including time spent in the water walker. Now, under the guidance of jockey Nash Rawiller, who delivered an outstanding performance in the Queen Elizabeth, Think It Over is ready to make his comeback.
"It has been gradual with him," Parker said.
"We've just tried to do everything right by him as you have to when they've injured a tendon. He has all the boxes ticked along the way.
"We brought him back after the Sydney carnival and cruised along with him to get him ready for now."
With measured expectations, Parker hopes for a successful return and has set his sights on multiple Group One targets for the talented galloper, including the King Charles III Stakes and the Cox Plate.
"Nash was really happy with the way he felt which is the main thing. I think our main goal Saturday is to turn up, race well and come home 100 per cent," Parker said.
"He has loved being back in work, seems to be enjoying it.
"It's always terrific having him in the stable, he loves being her so all is good.
"He has been flying at home."
Meanwhile, stablemate Hope In Your Heart is also preparing for her return on the same day as the Chelmsford. Acting as a flagbearer for the Parker stable during Think It Over's absence, Hope In Your Heart will participate in her second barrier trial at Warwick Farm.
Additionally, Parker will also saddle up Don Luigi in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap at Randwick, although the horse is considered an outsider in the race after a disappointing performance at Rosehill Gardens.