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Bam’s On Fire has yet to breakthrough for trainer Neville Parnham, but he’s confident the six-year-old is on the cusp of returning to the winner’s list at Ascot on Saturday.
Neville Parnham says Bam's On Fire's past two runs prove she is close to winning and if luck plays a part in running she is a top chance in the Listed Starstruck Classic (1600m).
In the Jungle Mist Classic (1200m), Bam's On Fire was stranded a long last, but once she gained a clear run in the straight she launched a big run for an eye-catching fourth.
Last start in the Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m), the daughter of Universal Ruler was held up behind a wall of horses and went to the line without being extended.
"She never saw an opening at all," Parnham told Tabradio.
"We were pretty disappointed, but she is working really well.
"She's had top runs in really high grades."
Bam's On Fire has drawn barrier 11 for jockey Steven Parnham. He takes over from his brother Brad who rides Dance Music.
Parnham believes an outside barrier should suit Bam's On Fire.
"She has drawn out, but hopefully we can get her to the outside this week," Parnham said.
"She has a habit of laying in, but since I had the bubble cheek on her she has been a little bit better.
"I made a few gear changes a couple of starts ago and they have both been bottling runs.
"I think I have her right on track and it's a nice race for her."
Bam's On Fire has recorded five wins from 30 starts, ranging from 1100m to 1400m.
She has not won at the mile but ran two placings at Group level in Melbourne.
Parnham has a slight query over the 1600m distance.
"A mile is probably her limit," Parnham said.
"But I think there are a few other fancies in the same boat."
Bam's Of Fire transferred to Parnham's Ascot set up earlier in the year after a stint in Melbourne.
Under Ciaron Maher and David Eustace she won the Group 3 Anniversary Cup (1400m) at Caulfield.
She started her career in Perth for trainer Mark Forder.
Meanwhile Parnham says Neufbosc and Platoon are in good shape before Saturday's Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m), but conceded they could be running for the minor prize behind Regal Power.
In other news, Parnham's top sprinter Indian Pacific is Melbourne bound in January with the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington the chief target.
The Zoustar five-year-old goes back to Flemington after consecutive seconds in the Listed Bob Hoysted (1000m) and Group 3 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) in February and March.