These two sprinters headed across Bass Strait frequently to find suitable races, being hard to place in their home state. Both horses best results came in Tasmania despite a number of credible performances in Victoria.
I’m Wesley
I’m Wesley forges clear of Gee Gee Lanett and Scrutineer (rails) in the 2018 Newmarket.
- Bay Gelding
- 47 starts
- 15 wins
- 13 minor placings
- $564,800 prizemoney
- First start: September 2015
- Trainer: Glenn Stevenson
Trained at Wesley Vale, I’m Wesley was perhaps pegged as a Devonport horse through the first part of his career and with seven of his first eight wins coming on the synthetic, that was a reasonable assessment. His win in the 2017 Newmarket quickly changed that opinion though, a result that was immediately followed with a win in the Listed Conquering Stakes, also run in Launceston. His 12 appearances interstate haven’t returned a win but he has been placed at Listed level in the Bob Hoysted and finished fourth in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis, both down the Flemington straight. The gelding is the winner of the last three Newmarket handicaps which is a record for the race.
Colonel Parker
Colonel Parker at his home track at Longford.
- Brown Gelding
- 25 starts
- 9 wins
- 6 minor placings
- $238,263 prizemoney
- First start: January 2006
- Trainer: Bill Ryan
Having his last start in January 2010, Colonel Parker just met the criteria for this competition but what a performer he was. After winning his first three career starts he was tested in the Group 1 Cadbury Guineas at Flemington where he finished a long way behind the superstar Apache Cat. A winner of multiple Listed races in Tasmania, Colonel Parker also found an interstate win elusive, managing several minor placings, the best being a second in the 2007 Christmas Stakes at Caulfield.
Vote now for your favourite – I’m Wesley or Colonel Parker
*Voting will close at 14:00 on 29 April. Only the first submission per email address will be considered.