Bridge stepping stone towards 2025 Lightning Stakes

Richard and Chantelle Jolly will take a powerful team to Thomas Farms Racecourse Murray Bridge on Saturday, with standout three-year-olds Caladan and The Sprinkler among their 10 runners.

Caladan heads into the BM66 1000m event as the favourite, off the back of consecutive wins and a strong Morphettville trial. The Tassort gelding may target the Listed Lightning Stakes later this month if successful again.

“He just keeps stepping up to the mark,” Jolly said.

“We elected to give him a little breather between runs, he’s had a month between runs and we gave him a little jump out last week.

“He’s a really capable horse going places and he looks to be hard to beat from barrier two.”

The Sprinkler, who won a Racing Rewards SA race earlier in winter, will look to bounce back in the BM68 (1400m) after a forgettable run at Morphettville Parks where he never got clear running.

Jake Toeroek will take the reins on both runners, and Jolly believes The Sprinkler is ready to rebound.

“He won well at Murray Bridge two starts ago then his last run was just a total forgive,” he said.

“On paper, it says he ran eighth or ninth but he never got a crack at them and he probably should’ve nearly won.

“The 16 gate, if they’re getting back and running on it’s not going to be a disadvantage because that’s what he’ll be doing.

“He’s got good ability.”

For punters looking toward Saturday’s Murray Bridge meeting, both Caladan and The Sprinkler present strong betting options from a stable in top form.