Winning post-1800 metres: We are on the Morphettville course proper on Saturday with the rail going out to the 12m position from the 1200m to the winning post and 8m for the remainder. The last meeting on this track was ten days ago from Saturday, the deferred Finals Day on 16th of November. With the rail the same here after racing at 8 metres, the inside pad still presents well and walks consistently. At the time of walking on Thursday morning, with fine weather and warm conditions, it walked in the ‘Soft 5’ range, with no difference between the fence and several horses away from it. On Thursday morning the track was rated ‘Soft 6’.
1800m-1200m: There is a good grass coverage all the way around to the 1200 metres and the track walks consistently in the Soft 5 range. There will be no disadvantage to be away from the fence, in the two and three wide line, particularly with cover.
1200m-800m: With the inside pad effectively out to from damaged ground, it presents well and walks in the Soft 5 range. The track has come on noticeably in the past fortnight with recent rain and a fertiliser program and presents with a good cover of grass.
800m-400m: As horses commence their runs away from the fence, there may be some evidence of kick back closer to the rail as the day goes on. There will be horses looking to get away from the fence from around the 500 metre mark and the ground is reasonably consistent on the inside, with only minimal damage near the fence.
400m-Winning post: The track walks consistently in the Soft 5 range, with some further irrigation required to keep the track in the Good range for Saturday. Expect to see horses race prominently and near the rail favoured, as can be the case when the rail is out this far on most tracks. The straight walks consistently from the 3 wide line out, but is slightly more compacted on the rail and one off, so will be interesting to see whether a pattern emerges here. It is expected that runners will also be able to make ground out wide, but walks slightly firmer and closer to a Good 4, towards the inside.
Verdict: A genuine Good track is expected for Saturday's card, with strong drying conditions from the Soft 6 rating on Thursday morning. The track has recovered well from the Soft 6 rating from the race meeting on Wednesday 16th and walks consistently throughout, although slightly firmer near the rail in the straight. Look for horses winning from up near the lead or on pace near the fence, out to the middle of the track, however much will depend on the pace of the races with the rail out to the 12 metre position. Barriers too, come into play and inside barriers may be an advantaged, particularly over the sprint distances.
Stewards will further assess the track for a confirmation of the rating on Friday afternoon.
