Wangaratta
Race 6 – Morpurgo
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
2000m – Barrier 12
Genuine stayer Morpurgo works his way out to 2000-metres this afternoon at Wangaratta. The four-year-old son of Toronado will be fitter for two runs this prep and the stable have added blinkers to sharpen him up today. He sported this gear change in a recent trial win and raceday improvement is expected out over a more suitable trip. Jockey Mitch Aitken leaves from a wide gate and will need to find a position quickly in a short run to the first turn. Smokin Soldier has been racing in good heart in better grade but has drawn very wide and finds it hard to win. Saint Henry’s best form has been on rain-affected surfaces so the door is well and truly ajar for Morpurgo to figure in the finish here.
From the trainer:
With the blinkers going on he’s a really good chance to improve significantly.
He’s ready to find his best.
Currently, Morpurgo is an $8 chance in the market.
Morphettville
Race 4 – Steller Eagle
Jockey – Alana Livesey
1050m – Barrier 14
Maiden galloper Steller Eagle races in Adelaide today under the care of trainer David Jolly. The tree-year-old Russian Revolution filly faded from the speed to run fourth last start and will have her work cut out for her today from a very wide gate. Jockey Alana Livesey claims 3kg and will again push forward, hoping a good fitness base can see her stay in this contest for longer. Will Clarken’s La Defense finished four lengths in front of the Dwyer runner last start and looks the one to beat in this race.
From the trainer (Dwyer):
She’ll speed across and put herself on pace.
She’ll run a bit of a race with no weight.
Currently, Steller Eagle is a $23 chance in the market.