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Top jockey Brad Parnham is hoping to make the most of the opportunity that has opened up for him in a Listed event at Bunbury on Saturday.
Brad Parnham's picked up the ride on My Bella Mae and with several key omissions he believes the classy mare is in the hunt to secure her second straight Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) victory.
Parnham will take the reins in place of Pat Carbery who had been booked to ride Live To Tell, but the exciting filly's return to racing after a 12-month layoff has been delayed.
The Cyril Flower Stakes field has been whittled down to seven runners and robbed of some class with the key scratching of Live To Tell, Wild Belle, Aztec Ruler and Mojo Rhythm.
Mojo Rhythm's trainer Mitchell Pateman said on Thursday he was reluctant to float his five-year-old gelding from his Ascot base to Bunbury in heat wave conditions.
Racing WA officials transferred the Ascot meeting to Bunbury where the weather is expected to be cooler than the 41C that is forecast for Perth on Saturday.
My Bella Mae, a dual Listed winner, will attempt to turn the tables after running third to Real Danger and Titan Blinders last start in the Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m).
Parnham, who won the Cyril Flower Stakes with Tarzi (2009), says he's happy to be teaming up with My Bella Mae in the $125,000 race.
"She's been a classy mare," Parnham said on Tabradio.
"She's been about the place and the field has fallen away a bit.
"I think she's going to get her chance; it'll be nice to get the win."
Tab touch has Real Danger the $2.90 favourite, ahead of My Bella Mae at $3.20.
Ghost Who Walks is $5.50 with Hot Zed, Titan Blinders and Mood Swings $8.
Saintorio is the $26 outsider.
In a strong book of rides, Parnham will also partner Flash Ducati (R1), Birdieagle (R2), Elite Missile (R4), Baramagic (R5), Honey Dew (R7), Cerridwyn (R9).
