A runner either side of the border for the Dwyer camp for Sunday racing.
Ararat
Race 8 – Morpurgo
Jockey – Damien Thornton
1600m – Barrier 8
Four-year-old stayer Morpurgo is first-up at a mile today on the back of a couple of quiet jumpouts. The gelded son of Toronado showed good staying ability in his three-year-old season, taking a few runs to come to hand before breaking through for a maiden win at start number four over 2600-metres. He will no doubt find today’s trip well short of his best and will use it as an opportunity to build fitness for runs later in his preparation. The stable are hoping this runner can start racing through his grades as he steps up in distance third and fourth-up, but for today will be happy to load him safely on the float and get him home. Murray Factor for Paul Preusker could take the prize here but it’s a race of many chances.
From the trainer:
A mile at least gives him the chance to travel in the run, rather than getting run off his feet. He’s clearly going to need further.
He looks terrific.
Currently, Morpurgo is a $13 chance in the market.
Gawler
Race 3 – Miss Carson
Jockey – Dom Tourneur
1200m – Barrier 10
Two-start maiden Miss Carson will be looking for sharp improvement in South Australia today when she steps out to 1200-metres for the first time. The four-year-old daughter of Silent Spring has been plain at her raceday outings so far, although showed a will to chase at Casterton last start on a track notably favouring those on-speed. That race was over 1000-metres and she was slow out from the gates, having to muster quickly to latch onto the back of the field. If she can jump on terms today, jockey Dom Tourneur can give the mare a softer run in the early stages and use the extra furlong to pick off runners and run into the prizemoney. Sweet Rock Candy clearly looks the one to beat here after losing the rider last start, but the race opens up after her.
From the trainer:
I didn’t think her run at Casterton was too bad, she made steady ground.
She’s looking for a little further which she gets today.
She’ll improve.
Currently, Miss Carson is a $34 chance in the market.