Dan Morton is chasing a breakthrough in one of Western Australia’s premier Group 1 races and heads into the Northerly Stakes with a powerful three-pronged attack.
The Ascot feature on Saturday will see Morton saddle King Of Light, Pure Excess and In Good Order in the final Group 1 event of The Pinnacles carnival.
King Of Light, who retains the services of champion rider William Pike, will attempt to stretch his flawless record to six wins as he faces older rivals for the first time.
Morton acknowledges that stepping out of three-year-old grade poses a significant challenge, but he remains confident that King Of Light is capable of rising to the occasion.
“He’s a mint horse to train, so laid back and gets the job done,” Morton told Racing WA.
“He really raises the bar come race day.
“He’s an exciting horse and he’s got to raise the bar again on Saturday, but he’s doing everything right and is a deserved favourite, but he’s going to have to take another big step.”
King Of Light enters the race fresh from his impressive victory in the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) at Ascot on November 22, notching his fifth consecutive win.
With the race rapidly approaching, Morton admits anticipation has crept in.
“So far, so good and there’s only a few more nervous sleeps until Saturday, but he doesn’t give us too many headaches,” Morton said.
“He’s a happy horse.”
Pure Excess, meanwhile, broke through at her fifth career outing, claiming the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on November 15.
Morton says the filly requires a different preparation compared to her stablemate.
“She’s a lighter filly and the three-week gap between runs is ideal for her,” Morton said.
“We’ve been able to keep her ticking over and she’s been able to have a few maintenance gallops and with 50 kilos, she can show up.”
Completing Morton’s trio is In Good Order, stepping out after a ninth-placed finish in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) on November 22.
The gelding is being conditioned for a rising trip toward the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1.
“He’s a happy horse and in good order as he’s starting to get towards peak fitness,” Morton said.
Punters can find the best odds for the Northerly Stakes via Australia’s top betting sites.
