The Group 3 Spring Stakes is the feature on Saturday’s nine-race card at Morphettville with a strong field of sprinters set to step out.
We’ve analysed the entire meeting and our best bets can be found here.
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Race 1 – Thomas Farms Handicap (1100m)
Alpha Flight just about picks himself here in a very winnable race second-up.
The Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained three-year-old really should have won fresh two weeks ago where he looked home for all money before being nabbed right on the line by the fast-finishing Nishikado.
His condition just gave way over the final few strides, but given a more patient steer with Ben Price in the saddle now, I think he’ll make amends.
Race 2 – G.H. Mumm Maiden Plate (1100m)
Competitive race here with a case to be made for a few.
Born To Run has found the money in both starts since arriving in Australia and looks to have a fitness edge over some of her rivals here.
The Per Incanto mare stuck to the task quite well at Bordertown first-up and really deserved to win over this same track and distance last start where she just got a little wayward not far out from the post.
Ryan Hurdle sticks in the saddle and I suspect we’ll see a more patient ride this time from a softer gate. Her added wet-track form also reads well.
Race 3 – Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1600m)
Unlaced is racing on a short backup after finding the line for second last week at Murray Bridge over shorter.
She found the front that day and was beaten by a pretty smart mare, a run she can only improve on now getting back out to her preferred trip that she’s won over six times previously.
A rain-affected track is also a big plus given her soft form, and with little speed on paper, she might just go all the way here.
Race 4 – Benchmark 68 Handicap (1050m)
Howl returns from a let-up and warrants plenty of respect with a decent record here at Morphettville.
The David Jolly-trained five-year-old has won twice from four starts at this venue and was also good in the late stages during a recent trial here last week.
He’s found the money twice in first run back from a spell and has done some of his best racing under Paul Gatt. Worth forgiving on his most recent two runs and I think this is a nice leadoff for him into the spring.
Race 5 – The Junction Handicap (1200m)
If Chicago Storm brings his best he’ll be very tough to beat.
This is probably his toughest assignment to date, but with two wins and two placings to his name from four starts this prep, he’s got the form on the board.
Todd Pannell’s four-year-old was a comfortable winner over this trip two back at Gawler and simply found one better after looking the winner on the Parks track last time out. He’s hard fit now four runs back and the inside barrier makes him hard to fault.
Race 6 – GMurray Hughes/Hero Wind Handicap (2000m)
Perfect Illusion is outstanding value for a horse shooting for his hat-trick.
The Jolly-trained seven-year-old has won his last two starts by a combined four lengths and this really doesn’t look much tougher on paper.
He loves a wet track, should appreciate the drop back in distance, and most importantly, draws to get a lovely run just off the speed under Jake Toeroek.
Race 7 – Group 3 Grand Syndicates Spring Stakes (1200m)
Pindaric can cause a bit of an upset in the feature at a good price.
This son of Fastnet Rock resumed a comfortable winner first-up over 100m shorter two weeks ago where he overcame a bit of trouble down the straight after racing wide.
The form out of his previous run at Flemington during the spring reads quite well, and he’s also got a perfect five-from-five record to his name on tracks rated in the soft range.
Combine that with an equally impressive record here at Morphettville, and it wouldn’t be surprising to watch him land on the speed and lead all the way.
Race 8 – Furphy Handicap (1600m)
Rising Legend has been racing well without winning of late, finding the placings in four of his last five starts.
He led and finished a clear second on the Parks track two starts back and was seen making up decent ground here over the mile a couple of weeks ago in a similar race.
Todd Pannell, who has won on him previously, jumps back in the saddle now, and with plenty of fitness on his side, I think there’s a bit to like.
Race 9 – The Fotobase Group Handicap (1100m)
Miss Mucinni has burned punters on a couple of occasions recently, but on pure talent and ability, she’s up to this.
The So You Think mare found the line quite well when a clear second to Zarace a fortnight ago where she had plenty to do early on from a tricky gate.
Apprentice Kayla Crowther will likely opt for similar tactics from an identical draw, but fitter now third-up and with some juice in the track, she just needs to be close enough to strike.
