Morphettville Wrap Up – 27 January
How good was it to have racing back on the main track?! The punters who came streaming through the gates to catch all the action trackside were treated to a massive racing card, and some even better weather.
This first meeting back also saw the first black type race of the year at Morphettville, the Listed Durbridge Stakes over 1100m, which was taken out by the returning Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained Aitch Two Oh.
Returning from a 10-week break, this impressive mare went straight to the front from the jump and dictated the speed finishing off with a solid 1.5l win.
Richard Jolly said the stable confidence was high after her most recent trial.
“It was good to have her back to her best and we look to go forward in a couple of nice races across the Autumn Racing Carnival in April and May.
“If she puts her hand up and wins the next couple, you go there (the Sangster) being a mare,” he said.
The Jolly stable had a winning day with Kalasec scoring under Jacob Opperman to provide a winning double.
The Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea stable grew their lead atop the Premiership table with Ballon D’or picking up where she left off before her spell.
Post race, Will Clarken was surprised with her run after a jump out prior to the weekend.
“She’s got a bit bigger and stronger with some time off.
“First up over 1050m was impressive to get the job done,” he said.
“It was a beautiful ride by Todd (Panell), he got her in to a good gallop and she was able to get the break at the right time.”
Canford made it two wins from three starts for Ryan Balfour with Alana Livesey in the saddle. Balfour was proud of the effort from Canford post-race.
“He’s not a Group 1 horse, but you love to own them.
“He kept in touch early and I thought a long way out he was going to be hard to beat.
”After today, we look again to the Lord Reims (2023 winner) and Adelaide Cup,” he said.
For the Phillip Stokes-trained Russian Dancer it was a dominant win with Lachlan Neindorf in the saddle winning by 3l. It was a strong return to form for the 4-year-old gelding having not won since the VSIRES Guineas at Lakeside in April 2023.
Alana Livesey steered home Storm Voyager by a nose for trainer, Darryl Carrison which gave the apprentice a double on the day.
It was the first win in over two years for the mare and Carrison was more than pleased.
“She has been unlucky, but it was good to see everything go her way today.
“She stuck her head out at the right time to get the win, it was terrific,” he said.
Other results for the day saw Grinzinger Prince (Cody Reardon), Shakespeare, Marmenko and Midnight Rush (Richard & Chantelle Jolly), Tres Belle, Mintulee, Willaston and Picargo (Ryan Balfour) all come away with places.
Great to see local Morphettville trainers off to a strong recommencement of the season. The lead up to the TAB Adelaide Cup and Group 1 Autum Racing Carnival is looking promising!