In-form trainer Dan Morton can see no reason why his stables great run can’t continue and extend to an interstate double on the weekend.
Fresh from Alaskan God winning Saturday’s G2 WA Derby (2400m) in brilliant style, Morton’s attention turns to Perth and Melbourne.
Classy filly Buzzoom will run in Friday’s Marjorie Charleson Classic (1200m) at Ascot and Kissonforcheeks will look to bounce back at Caulfield on Saturday.
Kissonallforcheeks is back in Melbourne after sprinting clear to win the G3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) at Flemington by a dominant 2 1/4 lengths on March 22.
Morton then raised expectations and took her to Sydney for the G1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m), but the mare was all at sea on a heavy 9 track rating and ran last.
Morton said Kissonallforcheeks took no ill effect from the Doncaster and he expects the four-year-old to bounce back and appreciate a firmer track at Caulfield.
“She pulled up really good and travelled down back to Melbourne with no problems,” Morton told The Races WA.
“I’m really happy with her and she has settled back in with no issue.
“She’ll be back on top of the ground and back the Perth way of going.
“She’ll work on the course proper at Caulfield tomorrow (Tuesday) to have a look which will be good.”
Morton has turned to Blaike McDougall to partner Kissonallforcheeks on Saturday.
Now based in Melbourne, the former New South Wales hoop finished second to Chris Parnham in last season’s National Jockey’s Premiership.
Mark Zahra partnered Kissonallforcheeks in the Shaftesbury Handicap, but he couldn’t be considered because of commitments in Sydney.
“He’s very, very good, Blaike and actually rode her when I was on my way up to Sydney last,” Morton said.
“He’s quite well regarded.”
Closer to home and Morton says several key factors will play a pivotally important role in Buzzoom performing well in the Marjorie Charleson Classic.
The Safeguard filly came of age last preparation after winning the Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) and finishing runner up in the Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).
Buzzoom has drawn barrier three for Chris Parnham and carries 54.5kg.
Morton says she will strip fitter after her first-up win over 1200m two weeks ago.
“She went in without a trial and probably found the pinch a little bit late, but got the job done,” Morton said.
“She’ll strip fitter for that and her work has been good in between and is in with no weight.
“It’s a good opportunity for her.”
Giving Morton another big kick was power sprinter Elite Street’s Belmont trial today (Monday).
Not seen since the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) last November, the five-year-old sat back and covered ground, but was never fully extended when 3 1/2 lengths sixth to Massimo.
Morton says the 2020 Winterbottom Stakes champion is ready to resume racing.
“We were always going to give him a soft trial and that’s what we needed to see,” Morton said.
“It was impressive and he’ll go to the Northam Stakes first up without another trial.”
The Northam Stakes is run over 1100m on May 1.
