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By Frances O'Shea

The Big Biig ($13 on TAB) has certainly tested the patience of Warwick Farm trainer Lauri Parker.

The aptly named Adelaide gelding has always impressed Parker but it’s taken some time for his confidence to grow.

Parker has been waiting to stretch the four-year-old out over the 2100m and he gets his chance at Wyong on Thursday.

Lauri Parker following a Kembla win. Image by Bradley Photographers

“I can’t wait to see how he goes over this distance,” she said. “I really think he wants this trip and hopefully I’m right.

“I’ve always had an opinion of him from day one, but he’s just needed time to mature. He’s such a big horse physically but mentally he’s very insecure.

“It has certainly taken a while for the penny to drop but I think he is starting to work it all out now.”

The Big Biig finished fifth at his last start at Newcastle on April 23 over the 1850m and was doing his best work late.

“Jess (Taylor) rode him that day and agrees he wants more ground. She’ll be on him again at Wyong. It’s good to have a jockey who knows the horse.

“I’ve had to be patient with him and am hoping that will pay off.”

It was Parker’s association with another Adelaide gelding, Torrens that resulted in her training The Big Biig. Torrens had great success while under Parker winning four of his 11 starts including the Listed Tatts Cup, her biggest win to date.

“I was winning races with Torrens so the owners of The Big Biig decided to send him to me. It would be good if he can go on and win a few races.”

Parker is also looking for improvement from her other runner Crowie’s Shout ($71) in the 1200m Maiden. The three-year-old son of Xtravagant lines up for his fifth career start, having finished well back when resuming over the 1000m at Nowra on April 9.

“He’s been a frustrating horse as well,” Parker said. “He does have some ability, but he doesn’t handle race day pressure too well.

“He’s a lovely big strong horse and trialled well. If we can get him to put it all together race day, he’ll improve and the 1200m should suit.”

Parker, 42, juggles her small stable with raising her two-year-old daughter Indie. The former jockey maintains a team of between eight and 12 horses and rides all her own work.

“It’s a struggle at times combining motherhood with the horses but Indie loves them as well. I like to be hands-on and ride them work because you get a good feel for them.”

SELECTIONS
Race 1 – 12.30pm: HMA GROUP MDN (1200m): 1 SILENT RAINDROPS, 2 Gustosisimo, 3 Parmenio, 4 Castlerosse.
Race 2 – 1.05pm: HMA INSTRUMENTATION PROVINCIAL 4YO&UP MDN (1350m): 1 TWENYEIGHTDRAGONS, 2 Prize Tulip, 3 Ruby Flyer, 4 Cataratas.
Race 3 – 1.40pm: HMA POWER GENERATION MAIDEN (2100m): 1 AUNT ROBERTA, 2 Hardazhell, 3 Four O’clock Knock, 4 The Big Biig.
Race 4 – 2.20pm: HMA MATERIALS HANDLING MAIDEN (1600m): 1 BOY LOVES TO RUN, 2 Theoneandonly, 3 We Don’t Roam, 4 Walk Up Start.
Race 5 – 2.55pm: 1 QUEENMAKER, 2 Shooting Pasture, 3 Critical Time, 4 Acceber.
Race 6 – 3.35pm: HMA GEOTECHNICAL CLASS 1 (1200m): 1 GRAND CRUSADER, 2 Cappelletti, 3 Surf On Turf, 4 Free Enterprise.
Race 7 – 4.10pm: HMA WEAR SOLUTIONS BM64 (1350m): 1 SHIPSHAPE, 2 The Halo, 3 Takara Star, 4 Malabar.
Race 8 – 4.45pm: HMA GTECH CYCLONES BM64 (1000m): 1 TOCOMAH, 2 Wanaroo, 3 Deep Opinions, 4 Bayezid.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Wyong here