Morton’s 3yo carnival ambitions gather momentum

Dan Morton’s Ascot carnival stocks continue to climb after My Authoritah delivered a gritty win in the Lawn Pride Australia Plate (1400m) on Saturday, outpointing Neville Parnham stable mates, Country God and Saam Time Lucky in a tight finish.

The Playing God three-year-old made it two wins from as many starts this campaign, showcasing grit and progression, backing up and delivering again after holding out late challengers when first up over 1200m at Belmont.

“He’s a real nice Playing God,” said stable manager, BJ Ryan.

“As a two-year-old he showed those glimpses and attributes of just a nice horse.

“I was quite impressed with his first up win; nothing went to plan but he was still able to get the job done in a maiden.

“From the draw on Saturday he was able to be ridden the way he preferred to be ridden, cutting them down late.

“You saw more of what he’s capable of and hopefully he can continue elevating as he progresses.”

Ryan said My Authoritah will be given every opportunity to target the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) later this year.

“What he showed on Saturday was just that determination and that first look at 1400m was encouraging,” Ryan said.

“You would imagine 1400m-1600m in the spring wouldn’t be out of the realms.

“We’ll give him every opportunity to see what he’s capable of.”

Morton’s WA Guineas ambitions are gathering momentum with King Of Light also a key part of his Ascot carnival arsenal.

King Of Light, a son of Earthlight, has impressed with two strong performances to kick off his career, including a last-to-first win at Pinjarra and a tough run at Belmont over 1400m

My Authoritah gave Morton the first leg of a training double after Objectify and launched a stellar day for champion jockey, William Pike who booted home four winners.

Objectify will be given another chance over 1600m and if she performs to expectations she could also emerge as a genuine carnival horse.

“If she goes well again and wins or runs well, then she might be a mare that we might attempt to get some Listed black type over the spring-summer,” Ryan said.

“She’s won five from 11 and obviously has plenty of talent.

“If we can get her right and in the right races on the day, you never know.

“It’s a shame a few soundness issues over the last 12-months have impacted her progression, but she still managed to win two Saturday races this prep.”

Ryan confirmed last Wednesday’s Belmont winner, Riva Aquarama, a three-year-old filly, was in the paddock.