Morphettville: Morphettville

Track walked at 5:30pm, Thursday 9 February.

Winning post-1800 metres: Metropolitan racing returns to the Morphettville course proper tomorrow. With the rail out 4 metres from the true position, the inside pad presents well and walks consistently, with good cover. At the time of walking on Thursday afternoon, it walked in the ‘Good 4’ range in this area, with no difference between the fence and several horses away from it. On Friday morning the track was rated ‘Good 4’and it will be the intention of the club to present the track with this rating tomorrow. There are good moisture levels, despite the hot week.

1800m-1200m: There is excellent grass coverage all the way around to the 1200 metres and the track walks consistently in the Good 4 range, following irrigation overnight and Thursday. There will be no disadvantage to be away from the fence, in the two and three wide line, particularly with cover.  

1200m-800m: This part of the track also presents well and walks in the Good 4 range. The track has thrived in the month off and continues to present well after the first meeting a fortnight ago. There is no sign of damage from racing a fortnight ago and we are virtually on a fresh pad.

800m-400m: As horses commence their runs away from the fence, there is consistent ground from the fence out to the three and four wide line.

400m-Winning :  The track walks consistently in the Good 4 range, with some further irrigation necessary today given the warm conditions. The track has raced evenly leading into Christmas and New Year, with horses winning on the pace and from back in the field in recent meetings. From the first meeting back, horses made ground out wide and the track raced fairly. The straight walks consistently from the fence out, with no evidence that any particular pattern should emerge here. It is expected that runners will also be able to make ground out wide, as well as up near the lead or on the pace.

Verdict: A genuine Good track is expected for Saturday, with warm weather forecast leading into race day. The track walks consistently in the Good range throughout, including in the straight. Look for horses winning from both up near the lead or on pace near the fence, but also coming from further back and fanning from the turn out towards the middle of the track. This is a sign of an even track, with all horses getting their respective chances, depending on the pace of the races. Although some commentary alluded to the fence being marginally softer in the straight, this is not evident walking it.