Startrade is a horse who manages to go under the radar in many of his races.
Cheating death as a yearling to his deeds on the race track, Startrade has a happy knack of proving the doubters wrong.
That trend continued on the weekend when the six-year-old won the Listed Hyperion Stakes (1600m) at double figure odds.
It was billed as a race in one with Bustler starting a red-hot favourite following the race day scratching of The Velvet Queen.
Startrade ($20) only had two behind in Tabtouch betting with Kaptain Kaos and No Apology sent out as $34 outsiders.
Startrade enjoyed a successful association under previous trainer, Kevin Anderson in Geraldton, but has soared to another level in Perth.
The first sign for Morton that he was more than just a Geraldton horse came after his barnstorming win in the Jolly Beggar Stakes (1000m).
More surprises came at the top level when he ran third in the G1 Railway Stakes (1600m) and second in the G3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m).
If Startrade’s big city improvement caught Morton off-guard then it also exceeded the expectations of breeder and co-owner, Lesley Allen.
Allen, who shares ownership of Startrade with her partner, Trevor, had modest aims and was happy enough if Startrade could win one race in town.
The Hyperion Stakes victory elevated Startrade’s’ prizemoney to just over half a million dollars from 13 wins and 11 minor placings.
Morton, who has experienced plenty of big race victories throughout his career with a bevy of stars, said he can’t help but admire a horse like Startrade.
“He’s a proper racehorse, isn’t he,” Morton told The Races WA.
“They didn’t show him much respect on Saturday.
“He ran third in the Railway Stakes and I don’t think the others did.
“I don’t know why he goes under the radar.
“Every time we raise the bar he’s got to it.
“He’s sound and so tough and the Trade Fair’s do come on a bit when they age.
“He was winning races in Geraldton with big weights, but I think he has just matured.”
Morton is optimistic Startrade can defy the sceptics again and answer a distance query in next fortnight’s G3 Strickland Stakes (2000m).
The gelding ran a distant third to Sluice Box over the same journey at Belmont a year ago, his first attempt beyond the mile.
Morton says an increase in distance won’t pose a threat to Startrade.
“Definitely he can stretch out in trip,” Morton said.
“We stretched him out this time last year in a ratings race and he seemingly didn’t get it.
“But in that race they went really hard and handlebars down.
“Normally in our staying races they don’t go too hard and they didn’t do that.
“They were flat out from the get-go and made it too hard for him.
“He still ran third, but it’s hard to get a gauge on it.
“But it’s definitely what I’m doing.”
