Tamworth trainer Cody Morgan will be hoping the Christmas joy continues as he lines up two live chances in Sunday’s Highway Handicap at Randwick.
Race favourite Casino Lord will spearhead the attack for the Cody Morgan Racing team, joined by stable mate and fourth elect in the market, Anethole; as the duo look set for bold showings in the Highway.
Standing as a model of consistency for the stable, Morgan couldn’t be more pleased with the consistent development four-year-old Casino Lord has taken in each of his preparations.
Beaten 10+ lengths on debut in a Moree maiden, the Casino Prince gelding returned from the paddock a much-improved type earlier this year for his second campaign.
Winning three of his next six starts, including two placings and a run in the city, Morgan was quietly assured with the four-year-old’s chances when resuming in last fortnight’s Highway.
Drawn a tricky alley, the gelding was forced to be ridden rearward throughout by master jockey Hugh Bowman, but upon straightening let down with an impressive turn of foot to savage the line for a close third.
Drawn closer to the inside (8), Morgan who will once again receive the services of Bowman and is confident the four-year-old is set to atone the narrow first-up defeat.
“Every time we’ve taken him to the races or galloped him, he’s just kept improving and I don’t think he’s stopped just yet,” Morgan said.
“I think he’s probably best on a soft six or better, but I think he’s pretty adept on both grounds that’s for sure.
“It looks a good race for him Saturday and we are really happy with him. I don’t think he can take full advantage of the gate, he’s just not that sort of horse. If he can just be midfield and not last, it would be a big help.”
Also favoured in the market is stablemate Anethole. Like Casino Lord, the five-year-old gelding is second-up for Sunday’s assignment, after returning in great order at Tamworth.
Settling a clear last, the son of Exceed And Excel charged home in the straight taking several lengths off his rivals to finish a lip away in second.
Proving quite the handful for Morgan’s team, the gelding who has shown he’s got a stack of ability, has never quite been able to put together a run of starts.
“It’s just been through one thing or another. He’s just had little issues along the way, but nothing major,” Morgan said.
“Hopefully as he gets older, we will be able to get away from that and just have him racing.
“It (first-up run) was the run of a horse of a coming winner. The way he hit the line was tremendous.
“He’s drawn well (3), but rather than getting right back, it would be ideal if he can just take advantage of a midfield position. If he does that and it doesn’t get too wet, I think he should run well.”
With the Autumn Carnival just around the corner, Morgan is excited for the return of his promising Kiwi galloper Edit and his targeted crusade toward the Country Championships.
“Edit, Macleay and Wren’s Day look my three horses headed that way,’ Morgan said.
“Edit was very good last preparation; he just needs to improve on his manners more than anything.
“It was really exciting to see him run the second-best sectionals behind Eduardo (Classique Legend Stakes). We are looking forward to seeing him back at the races.
Edit will get his chance to secure a spot in the final field for the Country Championships on March 6 at Tamworth, in the Hunter and North West Qualifier.
The final will be held on April 2, at Randwick.
