Talk to trainer Paul Jordan, or Lima Syndicate chief, Harvey Crossman, about Democratism and both will tell you the same thing: there is no better trier going around than the Bletchley Park filly.
Both men readily admit she will never be ‘top shelf’ but her fierce desire to win was aptly demonstrated at Belmont last Saturday when she led in typically preferred Jordanesque fashion and simply refused to be run down in the Westspeed 3YO Handicap (1200m).
Democratism, ridden by Steven Parnham, won by a length over Shady Bet, trained by the jockey’s father, Neville, and ridden by his brother Brad.
A different sort of Parnham quinella!
Given the competitiveness of the two brother jockeys, Steven would have delighted in the result, particularly as this filly has always been his ride and yet her career fourth victory is the first time he has ridden Democratism to victory.
Craig Staples has always had the luck to be on her at her previous three victories while the filly has also been placed on five occasions, when ridden by Parnham, including at her previous two starts.
In fact, Democratism was something of a barrier rogue and tipped Parnham off on one occasion, at barrier rise, and was also withdrawn before another race when ridden by Staples.
She is now led blindfolded into the barrier and Crossman paid tribute to Todd Plane and the PR barrier crew for their work in improving her manners.
Jordan said that no Bletchley Park horse had won more in prize money this season than Democratism.
Crossman said she probably would have won at her previous start (third behind Tiger Pete on July 14) but for the fact she jumped a bit awkwardly and didn’t get the anticipated run they had planned. “She was value plus at $7 on Saturday as far as we were concerned,” he said with a smile.