ACCREDITED’s rampant summer continued with a 4-length procession at Randwick on Saturday.
It’s always nerve-wracking sending out a $1.55 favourite, especially in a $160,000 race, but ACCREDITED’s backers were afforded a very comfortable watch as rider Josh Parr overcame an early tactical battle and put the race to bed well before the finish line.
The key manoeuvre by Parr came at the 600m when he shifted ACCREDITED away from the fence which allowed for a clear passage between ANG POW and CINQUE TORRI.
“I didn’t want to sit third the fence and risk being stuck in a pocket – that could have been a disaster for us,” Parr said.
“He was so responsive for me, I asked him a few different things. When I got him off the fence, he didn’t rush through and lose the race, he was able to move into the race in a controlled manner and the way he let go in the straight was ultra-impressive.
“He’s a horse that’s well and truly on the rise.”
An impressive victory by Accredited with @JoshuaParr8 in the saddle in the Toyota Forklifts Hcp at Royal Randwick for @PrideRacing.
That’s three straight wins for the 5YO. @ProvenTbreds. pic.twitter.com/PVvytQQQfF
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) January 4, 2025
The five-year-old gelding had the race parcelled up by the furlong pole, much to the delight of his merry band of owners and trainer Joe Pride.
“This preparation he’s gone to a level much beyond what he’s done in the past,” Pride said.
“And I don’t think he’s at his peak yet, that might come next preparation, but he’s now won six from 13 so he’s building a nice record.”
Having tasted defeat in desperately unlucky circumstances first-up at Canterbury, ACCREDITED has since posted three consecutive wins, elevating his career earnings to $314,125.
Stakes racing looks a logical target for the son of ALL TOO HARD but whether that comes this campaign or next, is a decision Joe will make in the coming days.
For now though Proven will celebrate its first winner for the calendar year and 22nd for the 2024-25 season.
