Mitch Lewis has cast his eye over Morphettville on Saturday, picked out the runners worth following, and also looked ahead to the South Australian Carnival with a couple of interstate performances that could prove highly relevant in the weeks to come. He has also flagged a handful of recent trial and jump-out runners who look ready to make an impact when they return to the races.
Horses To Follow
Morphettville – 28/3
Race 3 (1200m Maiden) – (11) Royal Sway
Royal Sway resumed for her second preparation after having little luck on debut back in November, and again things didn’t quite go her way here after being caught wide throughout the run. Despite that, she was strong late and kept finding to hold on for a close second in a handy Maiden. With a better race map and the benefit of added fitness next start, she should go very close wherever she turns up.
Race 4 (1050m BM72) – (10) Common Interest
Common Interest was resuming and completely missed the start after rearing in the barriers. To his credit, he worked his way back into the race quickly enough and looked to be travelling well late, but had little luck in the straight when running into traffic on multiple occasions. He hit the line well once clear and looks capable of sharp improvement second-up, provided he gives himself every chance at the barriers.
Race 9 (1600m Listed) – (2) Mating Call
Mating Call was well supported and looked one of the key hopes in the race, but she never really travelled comfortably in the early stages, which left her wide and doing extra work. She came very wide on the turn and was a touch one paced in the straight, though that was understandable given the tough run she had through the early and middle stages. She has the class to bounce back quickly and is worth another chance if she gets a softer run in transit next time.
An eye on the Group 1s across other states
Flemington – 28/3
Race 6 (1100m Listed VRC Sprint Classic) – (9) Thanks Gorgeous
Thanks Gorgeous took out a sprint feature on Saturday and post-race trainer Levi Kavanagh indicated that, despite her being well into her preparation, Adelaide could come into play if she pulls up well. That naturally raises the possibility of a path towards the Robert Sangster Stakes, which would look a logical option given it is restricted to mares and fillies and the form around horses such as My Gladiola could prove strong. Also from the same race, Legacy Bound has been mentioned as a possible South Australian Carnival contender. He may not have handled the wet ground, so there is scope to forgive that performance and assess him more kindly next start.
Flemington Race 5 I Thanks Gorgeous@JyeMcNeil takes Thanks Gorgeous through her gears for her second win-in-a-row 🌟
📺 Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/6Q94FgWfoK— Racing.com (@Racing) January 17, 2026
Trial & Jump-Out Eye Catchers
Strathalbyn – 26/3
Jump Out 3 – Placo
Placo has had a tick-over jump-out here after recently resuming with an impressive Saturday win. There was a runaway leader in this heat, so Placo had to do plenty of the legwork chasing up the pack, but he still worked through the line strongly without much being asked of him. He looks to be in very good order for wherever he heads next. Prairie Flower also travelled well late and was another to catch the eye.
Jump Out 4 – Lingani
Lingani settled forward in this trial, which was a notable change given she is generally a horse who gets back in her races. She looked to have too much class for this field and, while she did have the right conditions, she was strong through the line and suggested she has come back in good order.
Jump Out 8 – It’sanotherbattle
It’sanotherbattle was one we identified out of the trials late last year and she went on to win on debut at Murray Bridge before heading straight to the paddock. She is clearly a sharp filly and showed that again here, putting a big margin on the rest of the field. She looks close to returning to the races and is one to monitor closely wherever she appears next.
