Track walked at 11am, Thursday 26 January.
Winning post-1800 metres: Metropolitan racing returns to the Morphettville course proper for the first time in 2023. With the rail back in the true position for the first time since October 22, the inside pad presents well and walks consistently, with good cover, as expected after the break. 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. On Friday morning the track was rated ‘Good 4’and it will be the intention of the club to present the track with this rating.
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 6ml of irrigation overnight and 38ml in the last 7 days. 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 thrived in the month off and looks in the best condition for several months. There is no sign of damage from racing and 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. The ground walks a little firmer closer to the rail where it is rated in the ‘Good 3’ range.
400m-Winning post: The track walks consistently in the Good 4 range, with some further irrigation necessary today given the warm conditions. The track has raced evenly leading into Christmas and New Year, with horses winning on the pace and from back in the field in recent meetings. 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 Saturday, with warm weather forecast leading into the meeting and a possible shower on Saturday. The track has benefitted well from a month off and a renovation and 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. This is a sign of an even track, with all horses getting their respective chances, depending on the pace of the races. A shifting southerly change into the afternoon may test leaders and on pace runners in the straight, with that factor to be taken into account when assessing chances.
Stewards will further assess the track for a confirmation of the rating on race day.
