Dan Morton must be looking forward to the Magic Millions programme at Ascot on Saturday.
He has been a major player on this day in recent years; particularly in the 2Y0 Classic series.
He has won the past two editions of the race: Cadenza last year and Camporella in 2013.
A record breaking third consecutive win rests with Incoming Tide, an outside chance but not without claims.
But Morton’s focus arrives earlier in the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy when he saddles Red Ora and Cadenza.
It’s a race that bears the Morton name with Dan’s father, Len, preparing Flight Path to success in 2009.
And punters are confident the younger Morton can also inscribe his name on the trophy with Red Ora a firm $2.20 favourite.
The Due Sasso gelding has been a revelation; winning all four of his starts since debuting in December.
He is in blistering form and from a gun draw in barrier five, he will be prominently placed by leading hoop, William Pike.
“With a little bit of luck he has drawn a gate where he can be in a position to run over the top of them,” said Morton on TAB radio.
“But it’s going to be another step up with a couple of handy horses in the race, so it’s going to be a nice test for him.”
Cadenza will enter the race first-up without a trial after trailing Rommel in the WA Guineas (1600m) last November.
Morton believes the Oratorio filly has the residual fitness from her last campaign to be storming home late.
“I think she is plenty forward for it and I do expect her to be hitting the line strong late,” said Morton.
“Whether she can get over these ones first up I’m not sure but she won’t be too far off them.”
Shaun O’Donnell who partnered Flight Path, reclaims the ride on Cadenza.
The Oratorio filly is an $11 chance.
Morton will adopt a gear change on Incoming Tide who has drawn awkwardly in barrier 10 for William Pike.
The Danehill Express filly ran fourth on debut before finishing runner up to pacesetter Sonesta, beaten half-a-length.
She took a long time to wind up and loomed a winner half way down the straight but couldn’t quite grab the winner.
“I was initially disappointed because I thought the race was there for the taking and she seemed to take an eternity to wind up,” said Morton.
“I’ve added the blinkers and I would like to think she is going into the race a lot sharper.
“Drawing ten is not the worst alley because she tends to wind up.
“She is a nice strong filly who is fit and well.”
Julio Santarelli