Walked on Thursday 23 February, 2023 at 11am.
Winning post-1800 metres: Metropolitan racing returns to the Morphettville course proper this Saturday for the Lord Reims Stakes, the traditional lead up to the Adelaide Cup next month, as we lead into late summer and autumn Group racing. With the rail out 8 metres from the true position from the 1200 metres to the WP and then 4 metres, the inside pad presents well and walks consistently, with good cover. At the time of walking on Thursday morning, it walked in the ‘Good 4’ range in this area, with no difference between the fence and several horses away from it. The track was rated ‘Good 4’ on Thursday and it will be the intention of the club to present the track with this rating on Saturday. There are good moisture levels, despite the hot week, with temperatures in the 40’s. Almost 50 mls of irrigation has been pumped onto the track, and an excellent grass coverage is present all around the circumference.
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. This is a fresh pad of grass, so every horse gets its chance to race on even ground, despite being on the fence or wide.
1200m-800m: This part of the track also presents well and walks in the Good 4 range. The track has thrived in February after a month off and continues to present well. There is no sign of damage from racing a fortnight ago as 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. Good moisture levels remain on this part, right through to the finish.
400m-Winning Post: The track walks consistently in the Good 4 range, with some further irrigation necessary given the heatwave conditions. The track has raced evenly leading into Christmas and New Year and since, 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: This time of the year produces good tracks, as growing conditions are at their most favourable, but this track looks to be at its peak for the start of some exciting Group racing leading into the next three months. It presents beautifully for Saturday and 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. The track has played consistently lately and Saturday should be no different, with all horses getting their respective chances, depending on the pace of the races.
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