New jockey to guide Anatola’s advance
Anatola will need a new jockey when she runs at the Gold Coast with Josh Parr injured.
Trainer Mark Newnham is confident an injury-related change of jockey for Anatola will not impact on the mare’s ability to secure black-type at her first attempt.
Josh Parr’s tumble from Penny For A Pound at Canterbury on Wednesday has disrupted his successful association with the lightly raced five-year-old, who steps up in grade for the Listed Silk Stocking (1200m) on the Gold Coast.
Parr damaged ligaments in his left foot when he fell and is hoping to resume riding at the Rosehill trials on Monday.
Newnham will confirm Parr’s replacement on race day with Robbie Fradd the likely option with Chris Waller scratching O’Rachael after she drew the outside gate in the field of 16.
“It’s not ideal, though she is pretty easy to ride,” Newnham said.
Anatola, the $3 favourite with the online bookmaker Ladbrokes on Friday, will have to jump from the widest alley.
“The barrier is unfortunate but she’s a mare with natural speed so she’ll be up on pace anyway,” Newnham said.
“She’s in good shape and I expect her to run in the top three.”
Parr has been in the saddle for Anatola’s past two victories and is confident she can continue her good form while he recuperates.
“It’s a really tough draw but she’s really well-weighted (54kg) on a track that can favour on-speed horses especially when the rail is true,” he said.
Anatola returned from a spell on April 21 and won a Benchmark 85 Handicap (1200m) at Randwick by 2-1/2 lengths from Test The World, the $4.40 second elect for the Silk Stocking.
“She’s in really good form. Her turn of foot was brilliant the other day and she puts herself on speed out of trouble, so she makes half the luck herself,” Parr said.
Newnham said he would look at another Listed race at Doomben before contemplating the next phase of Anatola’s campaign.