Black-type racing returns to Morphettville this Saturday with the running of the Listed Oaklands Plate between the juveniles.
We’ve analysed the entire nine-race card and offer our best bets below.
Preview brought to you by Ladbrokes. Learn more about Ladbrokes HERE.
Race 1 – Travis Double Racing Handicap (1000m)
Very open race to begin the card, but I’ve gone with the favourite Star Hills on top.
The old boy by Magnus has been super consistent, most recently filling the minors behind a smart horse in Calypso Reign at Murray Bridge.
This looks like a similar assignment against a small field and dropping back to 1000m is ideal for him.
Jason Holder won aboard two back over this track and distance, and he’s also got a ton of wet track form to suit.
Race 2 – Springfield Farm – Standing Nostradamus Handicap (1550m)
Another race with a few chances, but I think Rising Legend can run a race at decent odds.
The Snitzel three-year-old led for most of the journey at Gawler last time out where he was well-beaten seven lengths third in the end.
He just lacked the extra kick required on a rain-affected track, but given that was a bottomless heavy 10, I think these softer conditions will see him bounce-back.
There doesn’t appear to be a lot of speed on paper either, so he should have no trouble racing on his terms.
Race 3 – Morphettville Equine Handicap (1250m)
This is a tougher assignment for Kong, but on recent form he looks up to it.
The Ryan Balfour-trained gelding was strong to the line second-up over this distance after having to do plenty of work from an awkward alley.
He’s drawn much kinder this time around with Jason Holden retaining the ride and with a couple of runs under his belt, he’s set to peak.
Race 4 – There For Owners Handicap (1400m)
Zoulah has returned in great order for trainer Will Clarken, finishing only 2.5L off Star Hills first-up on a very heavy track before venturing to Murray Bridge where she burst clear to win right on the line.
This is just her second look at 1400m, but the way she finishd off a fortnight ago suggests she’ll handle the rise.
Todd Pannel is again in the saddle, she has good wet track form, and this doesn’t look much tougher.
Race 5 – Listed Charles Melton Wines Oaklands Plate (1400m)
Good race this, but I do like Vagrant as the favourite.
This lightly-raced filly won exceptionally well on debut at Swan Hill last month before taking her talents to Flemington where she strong late behind Thron Bone.
That form stacks up nicely, and I think the rise to 1400m is what she’s looking for now.
She’s only known rain-affected going so far and from the soft draw, she should be strong late.
Race 6 – Horsemed SA Handicap (1950m)
Prince Of Helena steps out in search of a hat-trick and if he finds the front, I think he might just claim it.
The son of Sidestep led from barrier to box at Murray Bridge a fortnight ago thanks to a brilliant steer from Campbell Rawiller and the pair combine again here in a race that really doesn’t look that much tougher.
The wide gate is the only issue, but he eats up rain-affected going and if he can shuffle across early, good luck beating him.
Race 7 – Punt Club Supporting SA Racing Handicap (1000m)
Keep Reading’s form stacks up rather well here.
The Jolly-trained three-year-old resumed at Murray Bridge nearly a month ago where he was only beaten narrowly late by Sigh, a horse that has since gone on to win again at Caulfield.
His second-up form gets a big tick, and he’s never missed a place on soft going in the past. Should appreciate the gap between runs and I think 1000m is his go-to.
Race 8 – Grand Syndicates – New Yearlings Available Now Handicap (1000m)
Difficult race to assess, but I do like Litchfield County in his second run back.
He went around as the short-priced favourite at Murray Bridge a fortnight ago and was only found out late when weakening down the straight.
A bit more fitness on his side should go a long way and he does draw to get plenty of favours along the rail. Not sure how he’ll go if it’s proper wet, but this is a bit of a drop back in class.
Race 9 – Frano Pleic Memorial Handicap (1300m)
Morean presents fitter for two runs back and should be at peak fitness now for this.
The filly by Divine Prophet ran well fresh at Mornington when beaten half a length on a bottomless track and then missed the start at Geelong a couple of weeks ago where she made up good ground for a place.
A genuinely wet track might test her, but she’s drawn much kinder on this occasion and shouldn’t find this any harder.
