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Trainer Neville Parnham insists his classy mare Kay Cee can return to her winning ways in the Group 3 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Ascot on Saturday.
A dual winner of the Strickland Stakes, Parnham is unfazed by Kay Cee's two runs this time in and believes she is poised to bounce back.
Kay Cee ran 10th to The Velvet King when first-up in the Belmont Sprint (1400m) and then ninth behind Valour Road in the Hyperion Stakes (1600m).
Parnham admitted on face value Kay Cee's performance in the Hyperion Stakes looked underwhelming, but on reflection he says she had excuses.
A winner of the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) as a three-year-old, Parnham says Kay Cee is considerably better than what she has shown this campaign.
He's confident a rise in distance and improved track conditions will see a better effort from the daughter of Playing God.
"When I first had a look at the replay of the Hyperion Stakes, I was initially disappointed," Parnham told The Races WA.
"But on reflection I really think there were genuine reasons for the way she ran.
"The way the day panned out it was favouring on-pace runners and the back markers were finding it difficult.
"You certainly couldn't condemn her on that run.
"Her gallop this morning (Tuesday) was good and I'm very happy with what I saw.
"I think stepping up to 2000m and no track bias will see an improvement from her.
"Depending on the barrier draw she may even be ridden more positively.
"She's going ok."
Kay Cee can give Parnham a third Strickland Stakes victory. He won previously with God Has Spoken (2011) and Higginsville (1991).
Meanwhile Parnham says he is weighing up his options with Brooklyn Pier after his defeat in the Amelia Park Handicap (1200m) last Saturday.
Sent out a warm favourite against older horses, the talented Magnus gelding ran fourth to Jericho Missile after sitting outside of the leader.
"He's pulled up fine and I was happy enough with the run," Parnham said.
"I think he lacked experience against seasoned horses.
"I thought he was under the odds and way too short.
"He might back up this week or go again in three weeks."
