Dan Morton holds strong 2025 Northerly Stakes hand

Trainer Dan Morton is hoping Saturday is the day he secures a long-awaited local Group 1 when he unleashes a strong three-runner team in the Northerly Stakes at Ascot.

Morton's challengers in the final Group 1 of The Pinnacles are King Of Light, Pure Excess and In Good Order.

King Of Light, who will again be guided by William Pike, enters the contest with an unbeaten five-race record and now rises to open-age company for the first time.

The trainer is under no illusions regarding the task but maintains full faith in the gelding’s progression.

“He’s a mint horse to train, so laid back and gets the job done,” Morton told Racing WA.

“He really raises the bar come race day.

“He’s an exciting horse and he’s got to raise the bar again on Saturday, but he’s doing everything right and is a deserved favourite, but he’s going to have to take another big step.”

His latest success came in the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) on November 22, cementing him as one of the state's rising stars.

As raceday approaches, Morton admits the anticipation has been building.

“So far, so good and there’s only a few more nervous sleeps until Saturday, but he doesn’t give us too many headaches,” Morton said.

“He’s a happy horse.”

Stablemate Pure Excess tasted victory for the first time at start number five, claiming the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) at Ascot.

Morton notes her training regime differs from King Of Light’s.

“She’s a lighter filly and the three-week gap between runs is ideal for her,” Morton said.

“We’ve been able to keep her ticking over and she’s been able to have a few maintenance gallops and with 50 kilos, she can show up.”

In Good Order, the stable’s staying prospect, comes into the race second-up after finishing ninth in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m).

He continues his build toward the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day.

“He’s a happy horse and in good order as he’s starting to get towards peak fitness,” Morton said.

Betting markets for the Northerly Stakes can be compared at Australia’s top betting sites.