Dan Morton says it’s time for Woolibar to step up and reignite his campaign in the perthracing.com.au Handicap (1000m) at Belmont on Wednesday.
After two fifths at Belmont and Northam, Morton concedes Woolibar has yet to reach the same heights he set last year
The Ascot trainer set a high bar for Woolibar but based his confidence around the gelding’s ultra-consistent campaign.
The son of Due Sasso registered two wins and four placings from six starts with a third to top sprinter, Sujet, a high mark.
“He has probably been a little below par to be honest,” said Dan Morton on TABradio.
“After his run behind Sujet I thought he could come back as a quality Saturday horse.
“I haven’t lost sight of that but need to see him come back and put his hand up
“But it’s his third run back and he should be starting to peak.”
Morton has a double attack with Cadenza and Sheza Scandal flying the stable flag in the Christmas In July At Belmont Park 25/7 Handicap (1200m).
Cadenza rates highly after winning at Belmont two starts ago before going down the with the rest of the field when fifth to top mare Wink And A Nod.
Morton says Cadenza, who carries 58kg with the claim of inform rider, Jordan Turner, can capitalise and breakthrough in midweek company
“She is a little awkwardly placed being up in the ratings and just short of Saturday class,” said Morton.
“She won well midweek two starts back and I’m sort of hoping it can be the right type of grade for her again.”
Morton gives Bowl A Doosra a slight edge over Orright when they lock horns in the Westspeed Nominations Closing July 17 Handicap (1400m).
They finished out of the placings when racing first up from a spell, but importantly were doing their best work late to hit the line strongly.
“Bowl A Doosra has drawn a good alley which is important because the rail is out again,” said Morton.
“If he can be not doing too much in the run then probably I would be leaning towards him over Orright.”
Bowl A Doosra jumps from barrier three while Orright has drawn an outside gate in 11.
Rattlehead appears to be closing in on his maiden status when he tackles the Westspeed 3YO Handicap (1200m).
The So Secret gelding gained his third placing from eight starts when he flashed home behind Flying Roar a fortnight ago.
“He is still a maiden but has run into some handy types and quality fields and been beaten by short margins,” said Morton.
“He is a very nice horse and once he wins one he is going to string a few together.”
Morton says a distance increase will assist Incoming Tide in turning the tables on Airlie Sun in the Westspeed 2YO Plate (1400m).
The combatants met two weeks ago with honours going to Airlie Sun who defeated the sixth placed Incoming Tide by two lengths.
Morton believes Incoming Tide, who has a 4kg weight advantage over Airlie Sun, will improve on her first-up run.
“She needed the run and probably looking for more ground,” Morton said.
“Even though she is a two-year-old the 1400m will be right up her alley.
“On paper there doesn’t appear to be any standouts but my filly is fit and well and I’m looking forward to it.”
RWWA: Julio Santarelli