Rowley Mile Day Best Bets – Thursday August 20 

PARTHENON (6) impressed on debut last start when winning by 1.62 lengths over 1000m at Gosford. 

The wet track won’t faze him given he easily handled a heavy surface when leading and being shut off in a recent trial where he was beaten a nose. 

The Kylie Gavenlock-trained gelding will strip fitter second-up and the slight rise in trip will suit. 

He has the early speed to cross and lead this field. 

HIGHBORN HARRY (3) has placed in each of his previous three starts over this course and distance, including a third here last week when beaten just over a length. 

The David Payne-trained gelding has been racing consistently this preparation and should be at peak fitness now. 

He looks suited by another 1800m assignment and faces a weaker field this time around. 

With his strong course and distance record, he gets another chance to break through. 

SPARKLING FIRE (1) has raced only twice, placing in each start across two preparations, including a narrow second at Newcastle last start over 1200m. 

The David Pfeiffer-trained gelding led for much of that race and fought strongly to the line despite shifting out and bumping on jumping. 

He has good early speed and should be able to cross and find a forward spot from barrier 7. 

With further improvement from his latest run, he can give this field plenty to think about. 

NARBOLD (12) has been racing consistently this preparation, finishing second in each of his past two starts and being defeated by a whisker on both occasions. 

The Chris Waller-trained gelding was narrowly beaten over 1500m at Rosehill last start after another close second over 1600m at Randwick. 

He has also placed over 1400m this preparation and is now rock hard fit. 

Despite the wide draw, his recent form gives him a solid chance of figuring in the finish.