Morton's Afireofgidgeecoals primed for The Pinnacles opener after gear adjustments
Trainer Dan Morton is feeling optimistic as Western Australia's racing calendar heats up, with his stable poised for the commencement of The Pinnacles at Ascot in Perth.
The series features four Group 1 contests, collectively offering $1.5 million in prize money across five race days. Morton's focus is on securing a share of these winnings with his leading contender, who is the $2.60 favourite for the $500,000 Listed Placid Ark Stakes over 1200 metres this Saturday.
Afireofgidgeecoals, named in homage to a Slim Dusty song and the burning of the Australian gidgee tree, is heading into the event following a close second in the Placid Ark Prelude (1100m) on October 31. Prior to that, the colt had finished second first-up in the Listed Max Simmonds Stakes (1000m), 21 days earlier.
"I had to go three weeks at some point and I didn't want to do it leading into this being his grand final," Morton commented about the three-year-old colt.
"So I wanted to get that out of the way early. He is in peak fitness for it and I am looking forward to the race.
"He's a young colt and he was starting to get a bit above himself at the end of that last week of the three.
"So I'm happier with the space leading into this from his last start."
This son of the highly regarded sire Too Darn Hot will be equipped with two significant gear changes for his upcoming run, innovations that have proven effective within Morton's stable.
"He has been tracking along really well," Morton further remarked.
"I've put the blinkers on and the Norton bit. It's a bit unconventional but it is just to let him know that he's got to come back to us.
"I have persevered with that gear since last start, and he's taken to it well."
With jockey Lucy Fiore set to ride, Morton envisions Afireofgidgeecoals settling midfield with cover during the race. He is also considering a potential start in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes should the Placid Ark Stakes prove successful.
Afireofgidgeecoals is currently listed at $11 to win the 1200-metre feature on November 28.
"We are going into the carnival with plenty of ammo," Morton declared.
Explore the latest racing odds and betting markets for the Placid Ark Stakes with online bookmakers.
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