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By Ray Hickson

A piece of trackwork earlier this week told jockey Josh Parr everything he needs to know about El Castello’s readiness for Saturday’s Group 1 $2 million Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.

Josh Parr (Pic: Bradley Photos)

It’s a small but important piece of the puzzle as Parr aims for his third win in the three-year-old classic.

And it gave him some confidence that the 2000m won’t be what beats El Castello, who made it three from three this preparation winning the Gloaming Stakes two weeks ago, in what he’s wary could be quite the tactical battle.

“I gave him a solid piece of work. He had his typical demeanour which is pretty casual but somewhat focused as well,’’ Parr said.

“He galloped strongly and pulled up having just the normal blow.

“His sectionals the other day suggest he was really strong the last 400m, I don’t believe there’s an issue with the 2000m.

“Obviously it’s unchartered waters so we’re not exactly sure until we get there but all indications with his trackwork and that Gloaming Stakes suggest he’ll get the 2000m okay.”

Twelve horses have completed the Gloaming-Spring Champion double, the latest being Sharp ‘N’ Smart two years ago, and in the past 20 years the Spring Champion winner has contested the Gloaming on 11 occasions.

Parr, who won the race in 2019 on Shadow Hero and 2014 on Hampton Court, clearly has a lot of respect for his headline rivals that finished behind him at Rosehill two weeks ago but is more than happy with his mount.

“He comes through the most traditional path which is the Gloaming Stakes and he was able to win that quite impressively,’’ Parr said.

“I guess you could say there was a lot of hype around how Swiftfalcon finished and also Henlein looking for the 2000m. As strong as he was in victory there were a couple of others there that looked good too.

“I definitely a lot of respect for them but a lot of faith in my horse to go with it.”

In the Gloaming, El Castello’s tactical ability came to the fore as he was able to stalk the speed and hit the front early in the straight while his major rivals were conceding him significant starts.

“He is able to make his own luck with being able to take up a position early,’’ he said.

“That’s the plan we’ll go with and if something changes we’ll adapt.

“Swiftfalcon has drawn wide and he’s likely to be giving us a big start. Henlein on the other hand he’s drawn one so there might not be as big a gap this time.”

Parr said he may have to make an early decision on Terra Mater in the Group 2 $2 million The Invitation (1400m) after coming up with an outside barrier.

A dual stakes winner against the mares this preparation, Terra Mater put in a well below par performance in the Alan Brown Stakes two weeks ago so for his first ride on the mare Parr said he’ll have to be a bit forgiving.

El Castello wins the Gloaming Stakes

“She usually makes her own luck by racing on speed and shows a nice turn of foot,’’ he said.

“Forgetting the most recent run she goes there with really good form. Her Mona Lisa and Tibbie Stakes wins were very good and based on those two efforts she’d be a lot shorter price than coming off a disappointment.

“At least we know what we’re going to get from Terra Mater, if she has even luck she’s a chance in the race.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Randwick meeting