Confident Parr looking to bank strong book

A major race win made getting back on the horse that little bit easier for comeback jockey Josh Parr.

Tycoon Tara’s $400,000 Golden Pendant victory at Rosehill last month was the biggest the Group One-winning jockey has had since returning from almost eight months out of the saddle because of a hip injury.

“It was perfect timing,” Parr told AAP.

“I hadn’t been back all that long and got a big winner.”

It was fitting that Tycoon Tara’s co-trainer Peter Snowden was Parr’s master in the closing stages of his apprenticeship.

The win put Parr’s name back in the spotlight and is one of 13 the 29-year-old has been able to rack up this season.

“I’m really confident in how I’m riding at the moment,” Parr said.

“I’m riding in good form and it helps when you get good opportunities like this Saturday.”

Parr has the chance to link up with Snowden and his son Paul for another stakes win on Artistry in the Group Three Nivison (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

“I galloped her Tuesday morning and her work was nice and strong,” Parr said.

The Gerald Ryan-trained Kinglike is set to line up in the Listed Lightning (1100m) with Parr on board.

Kinglike’s former trainer Peter Moody ran him in a Group One race, and although he didn’t measure up, Parr is certain he can return to the top level.

“The first time I galloped him at Rosehill I said to Gerald ‘if this isn’t a Group One sprinter, I’ll give it away’,” Parr said.

“He’s got Group One written all over him.”

Parr said Kinglike’s win in a barrier trial on October 7 was outstanding.

“I can’t wait to get on him. He’ll give that race a proper shake,” Parr said.

Parr will ride Kinglinke’s stablemate Star Of Monsoon in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m).

The well-bred colt has been no friend to punters, starting favourite in four of his six winless efforts.

“I think it’s the worst tag a horse can have – ‘best maiden in Australia’ – but unfortunately one of them has to have it,” Parr said.

Star Of Monsoon finished third in a midweek race at Rosehill on September 28 behind Niccolance, a subsequent Saturday winner, and Palladian who won impressively at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

“He’s hard to knock on his previous start behind Niccolance,” Parr said.

“His sectionals at Rosehill were phenomenal.”

Parr’s other rides include Fabrizio, who drops back to a benchmark race from the Group One Epsom Handicap, and Michael Freedman-trained duo Darhad and Hessdalen.