We are on the Murray Bridge Gifford Hill course for the first metropolitan Saturday of the season, as the Morphettville main track recovers from a busy morning of trials on Friday morning, in preparation for the Behemoth Stakes Saturday week.
The last time we raced here was on Wednesday the 26th of July where we were on a Good 4 with the rail in the true position and out 3mts from the winning post, around to the 1000m.
The rail for Saturday stays in this position with the track coming through the last meeting very well considering this time of year and recent frost.
Track walked at 1pm on Thursday 3 August 2023
Winning post-1600 metres: The turn out of the straight walks reasonably well with some light marking on pulling up and returning to scale, evident from the last meeting. This minimal amount of marking will not affect racing this Saturday and is not expected to have any impact on race patterns. A reasonable amount of rye grass is visible through this area and a decent winter coverage is good to see in this high traffic area.
1600m-1200m: As expected on this least used section, there is good coverage all the way around to the 1200 metres and the track walks consistently in the Good 4 range, with no signs of damage from the previous meeting. There will be no disadvantage to be away from the fence, in the two and three wide line, particularly with cover, as this part of the track should play fairly.
1200m-800m: This part of the track also presents well and the kikuyu that has flourished in Summer now starts to go dormant in the cooler weather. There is minimal sign of any damage and walks consistently in the Good 4 range. It will be no disadvantage to be in the two and three wide line.
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, particularly if showers are around. The ground walks fairly with surprisingly little evidence of wear on the fence and is rated in the Good 4 range. Horses on the fence should not be disadvantaged, however as the day goes on, it would not surprise to see riders get away from this part near the fence if it chops out and becomes softer.
400m-Winning Post: The track walks consistently in the Good 4 range. The straight also presents very well for this time of year and a similar situation to the home turn in regards to turf health. There is very little marking across the straight from the last meeting and it is not expected that any distinct pattern should emerge on face value. The odd bit of fill is visible, though minimal and will have no effect on racing tomorrow. Overall with some favourable weather, this track should maintain its Good 4 rating this Saturday, however will have plenty of room for movement in rating, if rain becomes a factor.
Verdict: A genuine Good 4 track is expected for Saturday if no rain intervenes, with the track in good shape for this time of the year. The track should play evenly, although will cut up slightly as the day goes on. Plenty of room in the straight will see runners fan out looking for the best going as the day plays out.
Stewards will further assess the track for a confirmation of the rating on Friday afternoon.
