Then he won the Group 1 George Ryder at $31 odds and that perception started to shift.

The transition continued in the spring, Think It Over attracting respect following an impressive Chelmsford Stakes win, before a game third behind Verry Elleegant and Riodini in the George Main.

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Now, the gelding is considered a genuine Group horse and the odds reflect it.

Think It Over will start favourite in Saturday's Hill Stakes, Verry Ellegant's shift to Melbourne leaving the six-year-old In pole position to take out the $1 million race.

Parker is enjoying the regular trips to Sydney, particularly when he knows his runner is in perfect shape.

"I never get sick of doing that," Parker said. "You miss it when you're not doing it, that's for sure.

"I can't say I get too nervous when everything going in is good, like it is this week. What will be, will be. As long as my horse is right and I'm going in well, I don't seem to get too nervous.

"It's only when the prep has been a bit ordinary or I'm just unsure about something, then I tend to get a little anxious. When everything has gone smooth, like this week, I just turn up and race."

After two runs at 1600 metres, Think It Over will step up to 2000m on Saturday.

It's a shift that puts him on a collision course with a number of promising middle-distance horses.

Queensland Oaks winner Duais is second-up after running third in the Group 3 Cameron in Newcastle while Matthew Smith's Japanese import Keiai Nautique returns to Sydney following a tough Makybe Diva Stakes run in Melbourne.

The seven-year-old defeated Think It Over in the Winx Stakes earlier this prep.

The upcoming weather forecast has also provided Parker with cause for concern, the trainer hoping the rain stays away.

Wet or dry, the race is shaping as an intriguing test with Think It Over looking to fend off a chasing pack.

"He's kept improving with fitness and racing," Parker said. "He's come along good and is going into the race well. After a couple of tough runs over the mile, the 2000 is ideal for him.

"There doesn't look to be much pace in the race. He usually jumps quite well, so we'll see where he lands. Leading doesn't suit him, he's better with a bunny to chase.

"He's turned into a proper racehorse now, he'll relax and do what the jockey needs him to do."

Also representing the Parker stable at Randwick on Saturday is Don Luigi in the Midway.

The gelding is considered an outsider, however with just 50.5 kilograms and first-up over 1000m, the trainer thinks his horse could shock a few observers and put his hand up for a place in the new Four Pillars.

"He's only had the one jump out, but he seems to be going along really good," Parker said.

"The 1000m looks ideal, with no weight on his back with Brock Ryan on him, I'm hoping he'll run well."

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