Leading syndicator Grant Morgan is looking to complete a big month with the Meagher training combination when Harada Bay tackles the Listed Tattersall’s Mile at Doomben.
Morgan’s Ontrack company has had four winners with John and Chris Meagher since the start of July – Harada Bay, Cruising Speed, Savanna Amour and Mimi Amara.
Ontrack’s best horse to date has been Group One winner Brazen Beau but Morgan admits he has a soft spot for Harada Bay.
“He has won eight races and been minor-placed 16 times. If he can win on Saturday it will take him closer to the $500,000 mark in prize money,” Morgan said.
“I would really like to see him win a stakes race. If any horse deserves the win it is Harada Bay.”
Harada Bay has won his past two starts at the Doomben 1600m with a third in the Rockhampton Newmarket wedged in between.
Morgan realises Harada Bay faces a stiff task from barrier 11 as well as meeting several runners much worse at the weights.
“The key to his recent wins at Doomben seemed to be him drawing a good barrier. On Saturday he hasn’t,” Morgan said.
He also has high hopes for Cruising Speed who will tackle the Tattersall’s Plate (1350m).
“We have a very high opinion of Cruising Speed. She got kicked at trackwork and that was the reason she missed the winter carnival,” Morgan said.
“But don’t be shocked if she wins a good stakes race during her career.”
Ontrack syndicates have about 40 horses with trainers in three states of which 12 are yearlings soon to turn two.
“We are also looking at expanding into Singapore where Dan Meagher is training. We are looking for horses to suit Singapore and we would love to win a race like the Singapore Derby,” Morgan said.
Trainer Ciaron Maher has elected to leave Akavoroun in Queensland for another tilt at a Listed race in the Tattersall’s Mile.
Akavoroun showed the first glimpse of his true form when second at Doomben last start under 59kg and drops to 56kg on Saturday.
