He’s no stranger to a cheeky celebration in Adelaide and AFL star Jack Ginnivan will be hoping he’s got something worth cheering at Morphettville on Saturday.
The Hawthorn forward couldn’t quite get it done against his former side at the MCG on Thursday night but there’s hope the horse he part-owns, Palm Of Jumeirah, can get her nose in front in one of the feature races on Saturday’s G1 SA Derby undercard.
A last-start winner during the Easter Carnival at Oakbank, the Phillip Stokes-trained mare lines up as the $7.50 third favourite with Bet365 in the $100,000 Festival State Sprint Series Final.
Jacob Opperman, who has won two races on Palm of Jumeirah, will continue his association with the four-year-old, who races in the Sangster family colours.
Assistant trainer Tommy Stokes said the mare can run well in an open race, although her biggest challenge shapes as stablemate Nicish.
“She’s there to go close, although I think the stablemate might have the upper hand on her.
“But she’s a genuine top three chance if things go right for her.
“It’s an even field so it’s hard to be confident.
“It’s great to have Jack in the horse and hopefully he’s enjoyed the ride with her.”
While it’s unlikely Ginnivan will be trackside at Morphettville due to football commitments, his love for racing has been well publicised – he spent Grand Final eve at The Valley the night before Collingwood lost the 2023 season decider.
