The star attraction did his part as South Australia warmed up for the 2020 Autumn Racing Carnival with a cracking day of racing – including four Black Type events – at Morphettville on Saturday.
Hot favourite Dalasan delivered in the $100,000 Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1600m), romping to a three-length win on his return to his home state – and three-year-old company – after a big run in the recent $5 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield.
The Macdonald-Gluyas colt is now set to press on to the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes over 2000m at Morphettville on Saturday week.
Dalasan’s win was the first leg of a race-to-race Black Type double for jockey Jason Holder, who piloted Anthony Freedman-trained Meuse to victory soon after in the $100,000 Listed Laelia Stakes (1600m). Meuse narrowly denied a fairy-tale result for South-East trainer Jeff Searle and jockey Sairyn Fawke, who nonetheless have their first Black Type placings respectively with courageous runner-up Wings of Pastrami.
Meanwhile Phillip Stokes-trained Shamino got the better of the other boom horse at the meeting, Gordon Richards’ Garner, which had to settle for second in the $100,000 Manihi Classic (1100m). Ridden by Kayla Crowther, Shamino’s narrow but convincing win – his fifth from his past six starts – made up for up a desperately unlucky fourth on Adelaide Cup Day. Three-year-old Garner lost no admirers with his run, while there were several other good performances behind the winner.
Earlier in the day, Murray Bridge trainer Mick Huxtable continued his excellent recent form when 2YO grey Ecumenical won the Listed $100,000 Dequetteville Stakes (1050m) in a race that changed complexion completely inside the final 100m. The McEvoy-trained Zoushine looked set for victory, but wanted to lay in, possibly costing her the race.
Todd Pannell joined Holder in riding a double on the day, while apprentice Tegan Voorham notched her 100th career win with a superb – and cool – steer on Diamond Tycoon in race 3.
