Dan Morton has a good handle on what it takes to win the feature race for three-year-olds having prepared Alaskan God to victory in 2022.
From the moment Morton outlayed $140,000 for In Good Order at Perth’s Magic Millions Sale, he’s long thought the son of American Pharoah was a WA Derby prospect.
In Good Order gets the chance to validate Morton’s claim when he tackles the traditional lead-up to the WA Derby in Friday’s Listed Melvista Stakes (2200m).
In Good Order is coming off an eye-catching fifth behind Lord Vampi in last fortnight’s J.C.Roberts Stakes (1800m) when he was storming home from last position.
“I like what I’ve seen,” Morton said on Tabradio.
“Literally everything has been targeted at these races, not long after we bought the animal.
“All the eggs have been in one basket and he gets his first look at a distance.
“Track work is indicating he is coping with that.
“He has to get it right, his first go at it, but looks like he is going to.
“He’s very ready to rock and roll now and I feel like he’s doing everything right towards it.”
Brad Parnham retains the ride on In Good Order, who starts from barrier 7.
At $5.50 he sits on the third line of betting with bookmaker apps behind Lord Vampi ($4.60) and Alaskan ($4.80).
In the WA Derby he’s currently quoted a $9 prospect.
Meanwhile, Morton said stable star Super Smink is on track for The Quokka (1200m) after completing her second trial at Lark Hill on Monday.
The talented three-year-old filly is gearing up for her return in next week’s Roma Cup (1200m) before her Quokka bid a fortnight later.
Super Smink, camped on the fence until a gap appeared, finished third after being overpowered by Triple Missile and Rope Them In.
“I liked it and Chris (Parnham) gave a good report,” Morton said.
“It was another fitness hit out for her and it’s all systems go.
“I liked what I saw and she’s come through it good.
“I’ve got a massive opinion of her and that hasn’t waned at all.
‘I’m excited by what I’ve seen work wise.”
Morton said his Karrakatta fancy Bustling will race next Saturday.
The Frosted gelding was an impressive winner on debut and lost no admirers at his next start when second to Siren Assault after racing wide throughout.
Morton said he was taken by runs of Bustling’s Karrakatta Plate rivals in the Supremacy Stakes (1000m) last Saturday.
The first three across the line, Sir Dreamalot, Earthstorm and Heavy Metal impressing Morton.
Bustling and Earthstorm are co favourites ($7) for the Karrakatta Plate, Perth’s most prestigious and richest race for juveniles.