Parsifal was one of a trio of horses named to attend the Dubai World Cup in the New Year for the Will Clarken Stable and the Christmas Stakes will demonstrate to the international competition where Parsifal is in terms of competition.
Parsifal and stablemate He’s A Balter will head to Dubai in order to compete in minor races on the Dubai World Cup Carnival card. These races might not be the centerpiece of the carnival but carry hefty prize pools nonetheless.
“The races we are picking out, from what we can work out, are like an open handicap at Flemington on Saturday or a Listed race,” Clarken said.
“That’s what we think they are, which will give our horses the chance of competing well.”
Clarken was hopeful that his runners performances could create a blueprint for other Australian horses to perform international raids.
“We’re not going over there thinking they are just going to win or anything like that,” Clarken said.
“We don’t have any high aspirations.
“We want to perform well but it will be a pathway to future trips over there to run in bigger races.”
The Christmas Stakes will be Parsifal’s last start before travelling to Dubai in Mid January and opens up at $13 chance in betting behind a red-hot Marabi.
“At this stage it looks a one-horse race but we’ll be doing our best to give the favourite a shake for sure,” Clarken said.
“He’s a very honest galloper and I think this is his pet trip.
“John Allen rides him well and he has drawn a beautiful gate.
“I couldn’t be happier with him, but it just depends on how good this favourite is.”
Parsifal has remained in Flemington since his last in the Listed Kensington Stakes in a bid to avoid fatigue through the long drive between Melbourne and Adelaide.