Dan Morton believes he will get another key guide on the future prospects of his talented filly She’s Fit in the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Dan Morton has a high opinion of his three-year-old, but a win at the elite level against career-best opposition interstate will provide him with further validation.
She’s Fit has shown enough promise in eight starts to hint at above average talent, winning the Listed Natasha Stakes (2200m) and G3 WA Oaks (2400m) in Perth.
She then ran third behind Awesome John in the WA Derby (2400m) before running an eye-catching second in the G1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide.
Morton says She’s Fit is heading in the right direction and is confident he has her going into the South Australian Derby in the best shape possible.
“I couldn’t be happier, she looks great and is moving well,” Morton told Tabradio.
“She’s pretty happy with herself and is fit and well.
“She has a lot of fitness after her campaign at home.
“Literally since then and coming across it’s all been maintenance stuff.
“She does very good in the feed bin and we’ve been able to keep the long strong work up to her.
“She had a sharp piece of work on Tuesday that I liked.”
She’s Fit will jump from barrier 11 and is reunited with ace Perth jockey Chris Parnham.
He replaces Craig Williams, who rode her in the Australasia Oaks, but committed to Giga Kick in the G1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) on Saturday.
Parnham, chasing his second G1 success and first interstate, was successful on She’s Fit in the Natasha Stakes and WA Oaks in March and April.
Morton said Parnham will play a key role in She’s Fit’s bid for victory.
“It’s a key knowing the horse underneath you,” Morton said.
“Chris has a lot of time for her and it’s a plus for sure to know he has a filly that can stay properly.
“You’re not second guessing anything going into the race.
“He’ll be able to put her into the race and know she’ll stay it right out.
“If she’s good enough she’ll be hard to beat.”
Tabtouch has She’s Fit, the only filly in the South Australian Derby, the $4 favourite.
Morton says she deserves her market status.
“She’s a deserved favourite and I’d like to think she is a great chance,” Morton said.
“It will be a good gauge for us either way.
“Even though we are going to a distance that will suit her better it’s probably a better field.
“I’m under no illusion we are taking on a fair assignment.”
If the emergencies come out, She’s Fit will jump from barrier 10.