Jockey Ethan Brown will be out to add another Group 1 win to his CV when he partners Mornington Glory in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
With six wins at the highest level, all coming since May 2022, Brown is looking forward to reuniting with Mornington Glory in Saturday’s sprint, one of his previous Group 1 winners.
The pair combined last September to claim the Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley.
The Lightning Stakes is a different kettle of fish to the Moir Stakes, as Brown is aware, but he says the Gavin Bedggood-trained galloper is progressing nicely ahead of taking on the likes of Switzerland, Traffic Warden, Growing Empire, Benedetta and I Am Me.
“We know we’re heading into a hot race being a Group 1 first-up,” Brown said.
“He’s going as well as ever, and he trialled on Monday, very much an on the bridle trial.
“I expect him to run really well. I’m not going there expecting him to win or anything, but he’ll run a really good race.
“I think he’ll surprise a few people how well he’s going.”
Mornington Glory started his career with a Bendigo maiden win for Matt Laurie before Bedggood took over the sprinter’s training in 2023.
The gelding progressed from a benchmark 64 grade win at Geelong in October 2023, to running third in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield last February to scoring in the Moir Stakes.
While Mornington Glory’s best form has been around the tight Moonee Valley circuit, registering four wins, he also has a victory over the straight 1000m course at Flemington.
Brown said he believes Mornington Glory is equally effective around a bend or up the straight.
“I think he’s just a good horse,” Bedggood said.
“I don’t think too much worries him, whether it’s a bend or the straight.
“The straight will suit him in the sense that there’s probably going to be good speed in the race, and he will be able to tuck in and get a bit of cover and build into it.
“I think the straight will suit him fine.”
There are 13 nominations with the final field and barrier draw to be declared on Wednesday.
