Trainers Peter and Paul Snowden are looking to Morpheus to make a potentially lucrative first impression when he attempts to qualify for the Magic Millions carnival at late notice.
Ideally the colt’s bid to reach the Gold Coast would have started earlier this month, but a couple of minor issues held the two-year-old back until Saturday’s 2YO Plate (1100m).
Owned by a James Harron Bloodstock syndicate, Morpheus has only one opportunity to join stablemate Legislation in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 13.
“I would have liked to have brought him in a couple of weeks ago but he had a couple of little setbacks. He’s right now. He’ll get one chance to get there,” Peter Snowden said.
The $53,375 winners’ cheque would qualify Morpheus but Blake Shinn will have to contend with the outside gate.
Despite that obstacle, Snowden was hopeful Morpheus could achieve his goal after an encouraging barrier trial at Gosford on December 19 when he beat five rivals over 800m.
The father-and-son training partnership also have Legislation, who made the cut for the Gold Coast with his winning debut at Randwick in October, in the Randwick race.
Bondi was among the nominations but Peter Snowden said they preferred to trial him instead.
Bondi was 17th on the order on entry for the 16-horse 2YO Classic field on Wednesday and Snowden expected prize money of $46,500 would be sufficient to secure a start.
“I’m undecided but I don’t really have to run him. I’d rather just trial him,” he said.
Snowden said he hoped to have up to 10 runners at the Magic Millions meeting, including Snippets Land who continues his lead-up to the Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) in the Listed Christmas Classic (1200m).
“This run should have him perfect for that race,” Snowden said.
Dothraki, Denpurr and My Country also represent the stable in the Randwick feature.
Snowden expected improvement from Dothraki after he struggled on heavy ground when unplaced in the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on December 2.
“His first-up run was in a bog. He had a trial last Friday and he’s fit and ready to run,” Snowden said.
Denpurr and My Country were both nominated for the Magic Millions Nudgee Stakes (1200m) at Doomben but more favourable barrier draws mean they will race on their home track.
