KINGSTON, Jamaica - Journeyman jockey Phillip Parchment is set and ready to partner the Wayne DaCosta-trained Stranger Danger in the fifth running of the Supreme Ventures Limited, Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission-sponsored Diamond Mile.
The Diamond Mile is to be contested on November 9, 2019 and carries a purse US$115,000, which is over $14 million.
“First and foremost, I have to say thanks to the trainer who has booked me to ride Stranger Danger and also Mr Ian Kong and Mrs Elizabeth DaCosta, the owners of Stranger Danger, to give me the chance of riding this horse in the Diamond Mile.
“It is a great feeling to know that I am riding one of the best horses in the country and in one of the biggest races on the track.
“It is one of the best feelings and I am grateful. I have ridden in the Diamond Mile twice before and the best I have finished was fifth and that was last year aboard Drummer Boy. Now, I am hoping for a better position,” Parchment indicated.
Stranger Danger is unbeaten thus far in his career, racking up nine wins on the trot. Listed among Stranger Danger’s victories are the Governor General’s Stakes over 10 furlongs (2,000m) and the Invitational Mile. In the Invitational Mile, Stranger Danger recorded a time of 1:36.3, which was a new stakes record.
Parchment then informed that the American-bred colt has been exercising well in the mornings.
“Yeah, I’ve been working Stranger Danger in the mornings and he has been working well so far, I mean, he has been going well. He has responded to everything that I have asked him to do and it is going well.
“I don’t think I will have the words to explain if victory comes in the Diamond Mile but I just have to wait and see what happens on the day.
“I am coming from the bottom of the table but I am putting in the hard work and dedication to get here where I am at the moment.
“The feeling is going to be overwhelming if Diamond Mile victory should come my way,” a smiling Parchment ended.
