Memory Parade has a black-type pedigree and she backed that to the hilt with a dominant debut at Belmont on Wednesday.
The 3yo daughter of Yarradale Stud sire War Chant (USA) won a speed battle for the lead in the Macmahon Maiden (1300m) and was held accountable by Rapid Rock (Awesome Rock) before finding again for Madi Derrick in the straight.
Memory Parade continued the good run of in-form trainers Sean & Jake Casey despite easing from $13 to $18 with concerns she might be suspect first-up over 1300m. “She was finishing off over 1000m at the trials and we’ve always thought she would want further,” Jake said. “We told Madi to be positive but I didn’t think she would lead.
“She was travelling in front and it was a professional win for her first day at the races.”
Memory Parade was bred by Victorian couple Brian and Joan Durran out of unraced mare Kelvin Rose. She is from a half-sister to the dam of their star sprinter Regal Roller who was a Group 1 winner of the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, Toorak Hcp and Futurity Stakes at Caulfield in 2004-05.
Memory Parade is a full-sister to Over There who was a last-to-first 3yo maiden winner down the straight at Pinjarra prior to victories at Ascot (2), Belmont and Morphettville. The War Chant – Redoute’s Choice cross is also responsible for LR Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) winner Chantorque.
“I’ve had an opinion of this filly from the trials and at trackwork,” Derrick revealed. “She jumped and the light weight (52kg) helped today. We rolled through the gears and she was just too tough. She’s versatile and doesn’t have to lead. She excites me and will be even better getting out to a mile.”
War Chant (Danzig) had 8 yearlings catalogued for the Perth Magic Millions on February 22 and 23 starting with Yarradale Stud’s filly from Diamonds’n’dreams (Lot 47). She is a full-sister to War Gem who has won five city races and over $260,000 to date for Yarradale and trainer Neville Parnham.
