Man Booker’s Class To Prevail In Pinjarra Classic

Posted on February 23, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Ascot trainer Dan Morton says Man Booker’s class is set to prevail when he tackles the $120,000 Listed Pinjarra Classic (1300m) on Sunday.

Morton doesn’t hide his admiration for Man Booker who made a spectacular return to racing at Pinjarra’s Magic Millions meeting two weeks ago.

A track work accident kept Man Booker off the scene for close to 12-months, forcing him to miss a chunk of last year’s Ascot summer carnival.

But Morton believes his classy gelding is back on track and displaying signs that saw him win the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) in 2015.

Man Booker trounced his rivals at Pinjarra in a race that afforded him no favours, powering to an impressive return win over 1200m.

Making light work with 59kg, a soft track and a wide run, the son of Discorsi stormed home to defeat Red Publisher by 1 ½ lengths.

Morton said Man Booker, who is closing in on half-a-million dollars in prizemoney, had thrived since his first-up run on February 11.

“He pulled up really good and I’m really happy with him,” Morton said.

“It was a bit of a heavy track that day and I was a bit anxious with all the rain they had, but he came through it in great order.

“He had to have an extended break after injuring a hind leg, but luckily our vets did a fantastic job and he hasn’t batted an eyelid since.

“I think he can get the job done and he is the real deal.

“He has come through in great order and is pretty full of himself.

“I do think he can win again.”

In a field of nine starters Man Booker will start from barrier six. Jerry Noske, who has built a great association with the five-year-old, riding him in 10 of 11 career starts, retains the mount.

“I have a lot of time for Jerry who has just gelled with the horse from early days,” Morton said.

“She does a lot of work for us and works hard day in day out.”

Morton is hoping Man Booker can end his Pinjarra Classic hoodoo after going close previously.

In 19 editions of the race he has placed on three occasions with Red Ora (2016) and Oroya Gold (2008-09).