Reset for Morton stable in the Winterbottom Stakes

That’s the takeout from trainer Dan Morton after the underwhelming performance of Alaskan God in last Saturday’s Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m).

After a sensational three-year-old season and a top run in the Asian Beau Stakes first-up, the hype and expectations on Alaskan God was high, but he fell short of the mark when 10th behind Trix Of The Trade.

Disappointed and feeling flat after the run, Dan Morton says Alaskan God can redeem himself the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) in a fortnight.

“It’s a bit deflating, but you just have to front up and keep going,” Morton told The Races WA.

“Just watching the race live I thought we were in trouble 50m out from the gates.

“I was expecting and hoping he would be midfield with cover ideally.

“It was a messy watch and the horse wasn’t up to it on the day.

“It looks like he has come through it good and 1800m and further will be more to his liking.

“You pretty much have to wipe the slate clean and go again.

“In my mind the mile is as short as he wants to go in this company.”

While Alaskan God missed out on rich prize pickings in the Railway Stakes, stable mate Startrade ran another bolter when third.

Morton’s weighing up which path to take with the six-year-old who has taken giant strides since racing in Geraldton.

“He should have run a clear second,” Morton said.

“He followed two handy horses but one of them fell apart in front of him.

“I will have a real think about it, but I’m confident he will run out a strong 1800m.

“The Northerly or the Gold Rush (1400m) I have to work out.”

Meanwhile Morton’s gun sprinter Elite Street will look to bounce back and win his second Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.

Similar to Alaskan God’s run in the Railway, Elite Street was just fair when fourth to This’ll Testya in the Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m), his first run since May.

A winner of the Winterbottom Stakes two years ago and placed third 12-months back, the six-year-old will strip fitter according to Morton.

“Because it’s Elite Street you expect him to turn up and win, “Morton said.

“But it was a long time between runs and he’s not getting any younger.

“First up no trial he should tighten with the run and strip fitter.

“My plan all along was go second up into a Winterbottom.

“I have to stay focused on that and make sure I have him right for that.”

Kissonallforcheeks will join Elite Street to give Morton a potent two-pronged attack in the Winterbottom Stakes.

The Written Tycoon mare returns to Morton after winning the G2 Let’s Elope (1400m) at Flemington for trainer Nick Ryan in September.

“She’s a high end mare,” Morton said.

“She’s come back in super order.

“She’s well and looks happy to be back in the yard.

“She’s capable and has a spring in her step.”