Quality five-year-old MORNING SUN is poised to secure his first win in Australia on Saturday, competing in the $160,000 Benchmark 78 Handicap over 2000m at Rosehill Racecourse.
MORNING SUN, boasting two wins and three third-place finishes in the UK, made a promising Down Under debut with a strong second-place finish over the mile on January 10. Despite it being shorter than his preferred distance, the performance was impressive, especially considering it marked his return to racing after an eight-month hiatus.
Notably, MORNING SUN’s two career wins in the UK were achieved over 2011m, indicating he should excel with the increase in distance this week.
Another crucial factor for MORNING SUN’s chances this week is the switch from an apprentice jockey to a senior rider, with James McDonald taking over from Jett Stanley.
Better gate just what the Comic Hero ordered
In-form four-year-old COMIC HERO is poised to return to the winner’s circle, aided by a more favourable barrier draw in Saturday’s $60,000 Special Conditions Handicap over 1200m at Ascot.
Entering his second preparation and currently third-up, COMIC HERO started strongly with a first-up victory as the short-priced favourite. Despite facing challenges in his second-up outing and finishing third, he performed well, coming close to victory despite being drawn wide in barrier 12. The jockey had to navigate for luck in that race, but COMIC HERO charged home late, missing the win by only half a length.
With a smaller field and a better barrier draw this time, COMIC HERO’s winning chances are expected to increase significantly this week.
