Parisal ($3.50) has returned an impressive winner after 140 days off the track to score a tough victory in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality at Randwick on Saturday.
The James Cummings-trained mare had been scorching the turf at the barrier trials; however, had not faced the starter since running second in the PJ Bell Stakes behind Magic time last campaign.
Jean Van Overmeire was the beneficiary to pick up the ride, able to make the required feather-light weight of 53kg aboard this progressive four-year-old are.
It wasn't an easy watch for followers as Van Overmiere elected to head back towards the rear, and at one stage appeared to be cast wide without cover for a major duration of the race.
It simply didn't matter in the end, as Parisal showed her class to power of the top of a game Queen Of The Ball ($8.50) who clung on for second position, while Lady Brook ($151) landed in the trifecta spot at a massive price with online betting sites.
Zougotcha ($2.80) would've appeared disappointing to the eye; however, may have needed the run upon resumption.
2023 Group 3 Toy Show Quality Replay – Parisal
It was all about the winner in the end though, as James Cummings glowed about Parisal in the aftermath on Saturday.
“She's all about the improvement coming into this race considering how far she came last preparation,” said Cummings.
“By dominating a maiden, going straight to Saturday and winning again and then straight to a Group 3 in Melbourne and winning.
“This is all coming to fruition for Parisal, she's been one of the best triallers we've had coming into the early stages of the upcoming carnival for our squad.”
Cummings then praised Van Overmiere before suggesting Parisal will be sticking to races against her own sex moving forward.
“Opportunity deserved in my opinion,” declared Cummings.
“He's ridden our horses extremely well last season. We gave him one stakes ride last year and he delivered one stakes win so now he's doubled the quota and good on him.
“I think if we keep aiming off the low hanging fruit with Parisal for the rest of the campaign I think we'll get rewarded in the long term and she is going to be quite well placed in mares races.”
Jean Van Overmiere then gave his mount full credit before giving thanks for the opportunity to wear the royal blue.
“Very good effort, especially first-up as well,” said Van Overmiere.
“At the beginning I was probably a little bit just waiting for her to tell me where she wanted to be.
“There were a couple of horses I just didn't want to follow in the race and they were in front of me at this stage.
“It's fantastic, it's a great honour. Especially to ride a few winners in them as well. It's great.”