Parnham off perth cup favourite in shock move

Jay RooneyThe West Australian A last-minute scramble to find a second lightweight jockey led to Dan Morton’s shock decision to replace Chris Parnham with Victorian rider Patrick Maloney on

Perth Cup favourite, Alaskan God. Morton said Parnham was torn between Alaskan God and stablemate Stafford’s Lad for his cup mount, but the multiple Group 1-winning trainer had to make the

tough call when his back-up options were ruled out. Parnham, who won the WATC Derby (2400m) on Alaskan God last autumn, will ride Stafford’s Lad in the $500,00 Group 2 feature at Ascot on

Sunday. Maloney, 29, has had a big year after winning his first Group 1 on Roch ‘N’ Horse in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington and finishing second in the Melbourne Cup on Emissary.

“Chris was undecided what way he wanted to go, but in the end I had to take the decision out of his hands,” Morton said. “I thought I had Shaun O’Donnell as a back-up, but he had a fall at

trackwork last week and strained ligaments in his leg. “Then I thought I had Laqdar Ramoly, but he was booked to ride Platoon. “We put the feelers out to see who was available over east.

Paddy’s going well, he’s a well-sought after jockey there and he rides light. The 53 kilos ruled a lot of others out.” Maloney has ridden at Ascot once before in an apprentice’s race. Morton

said Alaskan God was a deserved $3.80 cup favourite with Ladbrokes, despite his indifferent form during The Pinnacles carnival. “This prep just hasn’t worked for him,” Morton said. “In all

four runs at critical points he’s been last. He’s had bad barriers and slow speeds in some races. “I certainly haven’t lost any faith in him.” Stafford’s Lad, a $19 chance, completed his

preparation for the cup with a luckless seventh to Truly Inspired in last Saturday’s ATA Stakes (2200m). “Chris was adamant he wins if it was a proper staying test,” Morton said. “I really

believe he should have won the cup last year. He’s the real deal.” The Perth Cup barrier draw will take place on Tuesday afternoon. GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU IN YOUR INBOX.

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