Trainer Neville Parnham compares Fairetha Stakes favourite Bustler to former star Playing God

Neville Parnham sees similar traits in Bustler to his former star Playing God as the unbeaten three-year-old continues his quest to emulate the deeds of his sire.

The WA Racing Hall of Fame trainer is keen to set Bustler for the $1.5 million Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m), which his sire Playing God won as a three-year-old in 2010 and again the following year.

Parnham rated Bustler the most promising horse currently in his stable after the gelding’s latest win at Ascot last Saturday week.

After winning on debut at Belmont Park in July, the gelding has returned with two booming Ascot wins by more than four lengths combined.

“He shows me signs of how his sire was able to race, having that big turn of foot at the end of his races,” Parnham said.

“He’s an above-average horse and I just like the way he lets down and can sprint at the end of his races.

“The Northerly is his target if he qualifies. If he wins the Guineas he gets in, but if he doesn’t we’ll see if we can sneak in.”

Bustler is the $2.40 favourite for Saturday’s Fairetha Stakes (1400m) with Ladbrokes.

“He’s obviously come through a different path, but he couldn’t been any more impressive,” Parnham said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he performs.”

Parnham will also start Snowdome, who is the $3.20 second favourite.

The classy colt won the 3YO Classic (1000m) first-up and was a close third to Amelia’s Jewel in the Belgravia Stakes (1200m) last start.

“His form has been great,” Parnham said.

“I’ve always been confident he’ll run 1600 in the Guineas.

“Unless he shows me Saturday he’s not up to the task, then we may shift that idea, but he hasn’t given me that indication so far.”

Parnham’s jockey sons Steven and Chris will ride Bustler and Snowdome respectively.

The Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) is on November 19, with the Northerly on December 3.