It was a meeting where race shape and sectionals told the real story at Morphettville January 31, and there were a few runs that were much better than they look on paper. These are the types that can be followed with confidence next start, especially with a suitable race shape and setup. Mitch Lewis takes a look back at Saturday’s meeting, plus gives a blackbooker from the jump-outs.
Race 3 – Annihilate & Zarkana
Race 3 was run at a very slow tempo early, which always makes life tough for horses settling back in the field. That’s what makes Annihilate’s performance stand out.
He was forced to concede a big start to the leaders but still produced the fastest last 600m of the Parks track races for the meeting, charging home and doing his best work late. Only third-up this preparation, he looks ready to peak as he rises in trip. With a more genuine tempo next time, he is the type who can turn the tables quickly.
Zarkana was another who had excuses in the same race. She was well found in the market but was slow away and ended up further back than intended in a race that didn’t suit that pattern at all.
Despite that, she worked home strongly late, producing the run of a coming winner. She is worth forgiving here, especially if she can begin cleanly and settle closer in a race with more pressure up front.
Race 10 – Blanc Visage
Blanc Visage stepped up in grade in Race 10 and lost nothing in defeat. She went down in a close finish to Mic Drop, who many punters have a strong opinion of, and her effort had real merit.
She recorded the fastest last 600m of the entire meeting on the Course Proper, and with another stride she probably wins. This looks a strong form race going forward. Third-up next start and likely rising in distance, she profiles as a mare ready to strike.
Trial and Jump Out Watch
Kisses Forever (Morphettville 27/1 – jump-out 8)
At the Morphettville Parks jump-outs on January 27, Kisses Forever caught the eye with a sharp display. She began quickly, found the lead with ease and travelled strongly before coasting to the line for a soft win under minimal pressure.
Still a maiden, but the stable clearly has an opinion, having tested her in strong two-year-old company during her first campaign. If she brings that jump-out form to race day, she should measure up well in Maiden grade when she resumes.
