RED ORA THE ONE TO BEAT IN PINJARRA CLASSIC

Posted on February 26, 2016March 2, 2016 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Red Ora is primed to bounce back and claim the $120,000 Listed Chaff City-Pinjarra Classic (1300m) on Sunday.

The Dan Morton-trained sprinter looks hard to beat if he can reproduce his opening two runs this campaign.

The Due Sasso gelding posted a blistering all-the-way win in the Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m) and ran a brave second to Dream Lifter in last fortnight’s Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m).

A nose margin separated the pair with Red Ora just failing to reel in the Albany galloper after charging home from the tail of the field.

Morton is buzzing with confidence that Red Ora can break his drought in Pinjarra’s premier sprint.

The Ascot horseman came close in consecutive years when Oroya Gold was placed third in 2008 and 2009.

“I’m really pleased with him and he has come through his last run in really good order,” Morton said on TABradio.

“His work has been nice and sharp since and it looks another good assignment for us.

“I can’t fault the horse going in at this point and I think he is the one there to beat.”

In a field of 15 starters, Red Ora, has drawn favourably in barrier six.  William Pike retains the mount.

The champion hoop has a terrific record in the race, figuring in six of the past 11 finishes with two wins and four placings.

He won on Vermeer (2013) for co-trainers, Bruce Watkins and Gary Hitchcock and the Graeme Hammarquist-trained, Glory Hunter (2010).

Meanwhile Gino Poletti said he is keen to test Back To A Walk in top company for the first time in his 20 start career.

The Artie Schiller entire has been successful on five occasions and caught the eye last week despite finishing eighth.

He couldn’t go with the field early and settled last but steamed home to finish 3 ½ lengths adrift of Miki Two Toes.

Poletti said Back To A Walk ran well.

“They were really going fast early and Shaun had to go back,” Poletti said.

“In the end it ended up being quite a nice run.

“It’s not an ideal race because you are throwing away a lot of ratings points.

“But you have to find out where your horse sits in this company.”

Shaun O’Donnell and Back To A Walk combine from barrier three.  The leading jockey is chasing is third success in the Pinjarra Classic after guiding Bites The Dust (2012) and Royal Lott (2006).

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