Track walked at 6pm on Wednesday 21 December 2022
Winning post-1800 metres: We are on the Morphettville course proper on Monday for the Boxing Day meeting, with the rail out 7metres for the 1200 metres to the winning post and 3 metres for the remainder. The inside pad presents well and walks consistently, with minimal wear from the fence to the three wide line. At the time of walking on Wednesday afternoon, with warm conditions, it walked in the ‘Good 3’ range in this area, with no difference between the fence and several horses away from it. On Thursday morning the track was rated ‘Good 4’and it will be the intention of the club to present the track with this rating on race day.
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 3ml of rain overnight on Tuesday 20th December and irrigation the following day. There will be no disadvantage to be away from the fence, in the two and three wide line, particularly with cover.
1200m-800m: This part of the track also presents well and walks in the Good 4 range. The track has continued to improve and looks in the best condition for several months. There is minimal signs of damage from racing at last Friday’s twilight meeting.
800m-400m: As horses commence their runs away from the fence, there may be some evidence of kick back closer to the rail and one or two off the fence, as the day goes on. The ground walks consistently well and is rated in the Good 4 range with excellent cover.
400m-Winning post: The track walks consistently in the Good 4 range, with some further irrigation necessary over the weekend, to keep the track in the Good range for Monday. The track has raced evenly lately, with horses winning on the pace and from back in the field in recent weeks. 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: A genuine Good track is expected for Boxing Day, with warm weather forecast after cooler conditions last week. The track has recovered well from the meeting on the 16th December and walks consistently 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. This is a sign of an even track, with all horses getting their respective chances, depending on the pace of the races.
Stewards will further assess the track for a confirmation of the rating on race day.
