Neville Parnham declared Bustler might be the best horse in his stable a fortnight ago and the Playing God 3yo has confirmed that rating in the LR Fairetha Stakes (1400m).

Bustler (Photo / Western Racepix) went to the next level with a last-stride victory over All The King’s Men (King’s Troop) in a pulsating finish at Ascot on Saturday.  It kept his unbeaten record intact after four starts and sent his earnings to $293,010 for a partnership managed by Santo Guagliardo.

“All The King’s Men had a really good kick and Bustler did a good job to nail him on the line,” Parnham said.  “We’ve always known he was a smart horse and there’s no doubt he will get over further ground.”

Jockey Steven Parnham was worried when Paul Harvey pinched a break on All The King’s Men approaching the furlong.  “I didn’t think we were going to get there but he did what good horses do and that’s to win!”

Bustler’s next assignment will be the $500,000 G2 WA Guineas (1600m) in a fortnight when he will attempt to emulate his sire who won it for Parnham in 2010.   Amelia’s Jewel is a $3.50 favourite for the classic ahead of Bustler ($3.70), All The King’s Men ($6) and Laced Up Heels ($9).

Bustler (3g Playing God – Cosmah Domination by Oratorio) cost $130,000 from Ruby Racing & Breeding at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions and his dam foaled a Playing God filly in September.

There’s no better cross in Western Australia than Playing God over Oratorio with 19 individual winners to date at an astonishing 79% strike-rate headed by Stakes winners Platoon, Ex Sport Man and Bustler.

Playing God (Blackfriars) has now sired 10 individual Stakes winners and he tops this week’s WA sires’ premiership published on the TBWA website with earnings of $1,150,850.  That does not include a $40,700 Westspeed Platinum bonus from the Fairetha and the lead will increase again if his filly Baby Paris wins the $500,000 LR Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) this Saturday.

Playing God stands at Darling View Thoroughbreds for a State-high fee of $27,500 alongside newcomer Splintex ($11,000), Patronize ($4,400) and Lucky Street ($3,300).  All fees (inc GST).