Queensland trainer believes it will pay to overlook a disappointing run on paper last time.
After a start at Eagle Farm that was seen as not much more than a morning outing, Michael Morrison has Venom Rush set to redeem at Ipswich on Thursday.
Finishing last of 17 in the Listed Queensland Day Stakes (1200m) on June 6 was not the result the stable had hoped for, albeit the three-year-old was a $41 chance, but Morrison sees some merit in it towards stepping back to Class 1 company in the Barrier Reef Pools Handicap over the same trip.
“I’m more than certain he’s got a good race in him,” Morrison said.
“We thought we would be more competitive in that race but if you have a quick squiz at the replay, we’re three-wide early and then from that point I think the white towel was thrown up.
“So he pulled up from that really well considering that he’s pretty much gone around for a track gallop.
“He was beaten 7.5-lengths in a listed race so I wouldn’t be using that run as an indicator.
Though we are not talking big time money, this Venom Rush was bought by Morrison for $1,500 in 2024.
After one win and two placings in seven starts, the return is over $25,000 so earning a cheque wherever it comes from matters.
“The barrier gods haven’t been overly kind to us but we’ll just have to go back on him and ride him for luck,” Morrison added referring to barrier 15.
According to Racing and Sports Senior Handicapper, Adam Blencowe, the propensity for backmarkers to win at Ipswich is greater than what may meet many punters’ eye.
“(But) most races there are run at a fairly genuine tempo,” Morrison agreed.
“I think that gives most horses their chance. You’ve just got to be careful not to swoop four or five wide but instead try and cut the corner and look for some room when you level up.”
Morrisson is using the services of young jockey Brandon Lerena and the cousin of top South African hope Gavin Lerena, has a 13% winning strike-rate with Morrison and 32.6% placings which his record at Ipswich is a little better at 14.5% winners and just short of 40% placings.
“He’s probably my number one jockey,” Morrison said.
“He knows the horse inside out and I think he’s the sort of rider who is capable of getting a horse to settle nicely.
“Brandon always gives the 100% and he’s going to be one you want on, for sure.”
