Peter Morgan makes his first visit to Randwick since the redeveloped complex was unveiled in 2013 to gauge whether Bulala can continue to construct a promising career.
Morgan, who has four horses in work at Wagga Wagga, has taken the pick of his team to Sydney for the veteran trainer’s first crack at a Highway Handicap after Bulala justified the journey by winning two of his five starts and being placed in the others.
Bulala means ‘harm’ in the Zulu language and Morgan reckoned it couldn’t hurt to test potentially the best horse he’s prepared since 1995 Towong Cup winner Well Satisfied.
“He’s done pretty well really but this is a big step up,” Morgan said.
“Those other horses have had a lot more tries at a Highway than him. They’re probably more seasoned and harder.
“It’s up to him to see how far he can step up.”
Morgan had a Highway race in mind for the four-year-old since he resumed form a 30-week spell with a first-up win in Gundagai on June 8.
Bulala is happy enough on a heavy track and his record indicates a wide gate should not be an issue after drawing barrier 13.
“We always like to be in but with the track being soft that might be the worst part to be,” he said.
Bulala won from barrier 11 at Gundagai, and has never drawn better than the seven he was allocated when he won on debut at Corowa.
Morgan would also like the track to be upgraded further from the heavy 8 classification on Friday, but had no concerns with the 1200-metre trip.
Despite facing a field of this quality for the first time the TAB listed Bulala on the third line of betting at $6.
The Cameron Crockett-trained gelding Nictock, third on his Highway debut at Randwick a fortnight ago, led the market at $2.80.
