But that was before his star Think It Over had developed into one of the sport's elite middle-distance horses.

Now, having witnessed Verry Elleegant claim a dominant Melbourne Cup victory on Tuesday, such a dream is a realistic proposition.

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The gelding was beaten less than a length when the pair faced off in the George Main earlier this prep.

Think It Over was nominated for this year's Melbourne Cup, before owner Richard Johnston and Parker decided to remain in Sydney.

It was a move that proved successful, the horse winning four races from six starts and claiming almost $2.7 million in prizemoney.

Parker is refusing to think too far ahead, but he knows 2022 is likely Think It Over's final shot at the two-mile staying test.

"We had him nominated for this year's Cup," Parker said. "If we went down and won the Cox Plate, I would've been very tempted to go to the Melbourne Cup.

"Now he's older and racing properly, I think he could go further. I don't know if he'll run two mile, you never know until they're in it, but I'm confident he'd run 2400m."

Think It Over has proven he's among the sport's top horses, however Parker knows the true test will come next autumn.

With Verry Elleegant and Zaaki racing in Melbourne, the gelding dominated the Sydney spring.

Next year, the horses will go head to head in a campaign that will likely start with the Chipping Norton in late February and finish with the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April.

It's a test Parker is excited to witness, Think It Over's results set to play a key role in the trainer's spring plans.

"We've been able to place him really well this prep. He was going terrific, but his main rivals went to Melbourne, so we didn't have to clash against them.

"We're looking forward to the autumn. It won't be an easy task, we'll be going up against the A-graders. There will be nowhere to hide. It's a whole new ball game.

"If we can win even one of those Group 1s, we'll be thrilled."

Think It Over's success has helped trigger a renewal of Parker's stable, the trainer attracting interest from a number of new owners.

He recently linked up with Proven Thoroughbreds, and now trains a number of the syndication group's horses.

Think It Over's owner Richard Johnston has renewed his faith in Parker by handing the trainer three promising youngsters.

The trio, Moorsetown, Fooled Again and Encentivan, are unraced, but there are hopes they can follow in their stablemate's footsteps.

Having been provided an opportunity to showcase his training skills, Parker is determined to use this period to build his stable and enjoy even more success in the sport's biggest races.

"That's what all trainers wish for, to have a little bit of backing and some well-bred horses. It's something my stable's always lacked.

"We've got terrific clients, they've been with me for 20 years, but they don't have the money to buy top-notch horses.

"I've got a couple of nice Proven Thoroughbred horses that are on the way up. Richard's are nice horses. They're still developing, we'll put them through the motions. If they can be half as good as Think It Over, I'll be thrilled."

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