Trainer Parker is relying on the mental fortitude of Think It Over on Saturday and hopes a willingness to win and natural talent will help him to overcome one of the toughest fields ever assembled in this Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
With the weather set to continue to batter the East Coast, The so called ‘race of the century’ is looking likely to take place on a heavy Randwick track.
Parker has already conceded that Think It Over isn’t at his best on the wet tracks but confirmed he will still take his place in a stacked QEII field.
“This is his grand final and he has absolutely bounced off his last-start Tancred Stakes run so he will be there on Saturday,’’ Parker said.
“His best asset is when builds momentum and his stride gets longer but on these heavy tracks he doesn’t quite get to that full length of stride.
“But he still tries hard and gives his best. He deserves to be there for what is an absolutely cracking race.
“All the good horses are in the Queen Elizabeth. For racing fans you would have to go a long way to get a better line-up.’’
Think It Over has drifted in the betting to $31 for the Group One feature however Parker believes a recent fourth behind Duais in the Tancred was enough to be competitive this weekend.
“I’ve got a very fit horse for Saturday,’’ the trainer said.
“His run in the Tancred was very good because he lost a bit of momentum on the turn.
“He was behind Spanish Mission and it never took him into the race. He went from having a nice position and working into the race to losing momentum.
“We know he has to build into his races so that made it a bit hard for him.’’
Very Elleegant still retains favouritism for the Group One Queen Elizabeth at $3.70.