Following a disappointing start at Eagle Farm, Michael Morrison has Venom Rush primed for a redemption run at Ipswich this Thursday.
The three-year-old colt finished last in the 17-horse Listed Queensland Day Stakes (1200m) on June 6, a result that didn’t meet the stable’s expectations. Despite being a $41 outsider, Morrison views the outing as a suitable lead-in to a return to Class 1 company in the Barrier Reef Pools Handicap over the same distance.
“I’m more than certain he’s got a good race in him,” Morrison commented.
“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.”
Purchased for $1,500 by Morrison in 2024, Venom Rush has already accumulated over $25,000 in prize money from one win and two placings across seven starts, making any cheque a valuable addition.
“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, noting the draw of barrier 15.
Adam Blencowe, Senior Handicapper for Racing and Sports, points out that horses coming from behind have a statistically higher success rate at Ipswich than many punters might anticipate.
“(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 has enlisted the riding talents of young jockey Brandon Lerena, who is the cousin of prominent South African jockey Gavin Lerena. Lerena boasts a 13% winning strike-rate and a 32.6% placing rate when partnered with Morrison, with his Ipswich record showing slightly better figures at 14.5% winners and just shy 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.”
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