Leading trainer Neville Parnham is almost certain to dodge the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on the weekend with his talented filly, Ellicazoom.
The daughter of Testa Rossa went close to landing her second major win after running a brave second in the Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last Saturday.
It was Ellicazoom’s first attempt in Melbourne and second run back this preparation after a fast finishing second in the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy (1200m) at Pinjarra.
Parnham said Ellicazoom’s effort in Melbourne confirmed her ability in top company and despite leaving his options open he is favouring holding her back for another week.
“There is no firm decision as yet, but I think it would be highly unlikely,” Parnham told TABradio’s The Sports Daily.
“There are a couple of good colts and geldings in that race who go well, so it might best to wait for the filly’s the following week and we know she is competitive against them.
“She will more than likely race the following Saturday on Australia Cup day at Flemington in the Kewney Stakes.
“It’s a Group 2 and pretty much the same sort of line-up that she met the other day.
“Two weeks after that there is a 1600m race at a Moonee Valley night meeting and that is a possibility.
“I didn’t plan on giving her a lot of runs and depending on how she went it was going to be a light autumn before spelling again.
“The way she has been racing it wouldn’t be beyond her to perhaps stepping up even further which opens up a few more doors for me.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli