As Western Australia’s racing season hits its stride, trainer Dan Morton has his stable’s prime contenders ready for the inaugural day of The Pinnacles at Ascot in Perth.
The series encompasses four Group 1 races, collectively offering $1.5 million in prize money over five race days. Morton is set to compete for these stakes with his leading horse, who is currently the $2.60 favourite for the $500,000 Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
Afireofgidgeecoals, a name derived from the burning of the Australian gidgee tree and made famous by a Slim Dusty song, is entering the race following a narrow second place in the Placid Ark Prelude (1100m) on October 31. This performance came after a second-place finish first-up in the Listed Max Simmonds Stakes (1000m) some 21 days prior.
“I had to go three weeks at some point and I didn’t want to do it leading into this being his grand final,” Morton commented about the three-year-old colt.
“So I wanted to get that out of the way early. He is in peak fitness for it and I am looking forward to the race.
“He’s a young colt and he was starting to get a bit above himself at the end of that last week of the three.
“So I’m happier with the space leading into this from his last start.”
The son of the popular sire Too Darn Hot will sport two gear changes this week, a strategy that has proven effective within his stable.
“He has been tracking along really well,” Morton added.
“I’ve put the blinkers on and the Norton bit. It’s a bit unconventional but it is just to let him know that he’s got to come back to us.
“I have persevered with that gear since last start, and he’s taken to it well.”
With Lucy Fiore in the saddle, Morton is hoping Afireofgidgeecoals can find a midfield position with cover. He is also considering a start in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes if the colt runs well here.
Afireofgidgeecoals is priced at $11 for the 1200-metre feature on November 28.
“We are going into the carnival with plenty of ammo,” Morton concluded.
Compare the latest racing odds and betting markets for the Placid Ark Stakes at betting markets for the race.
