Tom Looking For Almighty Win In Mount Barker Cup

Posted on March 18, 2016March 18, 2016 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Tom Almighty will chase his first big win for Dan Morton when he tackles the $35,000 XXXX-Gold Mount Barker Cup (2000m) on Sunday.

The Saxon gelding has been around the mark without winning this preparation, but Morton has high hopes he can breakthrough.

Tom Almighty, previously with Simon Miller, Bruce Watkins and Peter Fernie, is searching for his first victory under Morton’s reign.

At Ascot he ran second to Countercat (1400m) and finished fourth behind Slick Talker (1600m) and Confusing (1800m).

His last-start fifth to Cut Snake in the Esperance Cup was full of merit after he powered home from the back of the field.

“He was good without a lot of luck,” Morton said on Tabradio.

“He got back in the run and was doing his best work late.

“He has come through the run well and looks like he can stay.

“He has to be thereabouts.”

Tom Almighty has yet to win beyond a mile but was placed third to Small And Spicy over 2200m at Kalgoorlie last year.

In a field of 12 starters the four-year-old has drawn the outside gate. In-form jockey, Brad Parnham, takes the ride.

Although Tom Almighty can race forward and on pace, Morton believes he is better served coming from behind.

“He has raced on the pace a lot of times, but I think he is better having a few to chase,” Morton said.

“In the past if he has got to the front early he doesn’t have a long let down.

“In his last two starts he has chased real well and ran right through the line.”

Meanwhile, Angela Smith, admits Regal Honour is a risk at the journey, but believes the gelding deserves to have a shot after his past two runs.

The son of Testa Rossa romped home to win by five lengths when he led over the mile at Albany on February 13

He then ran second after being chased down by Ancient Spell when stepping up to 1920m for the first time.

“I was really happy with the run and thought it was promising,” Smith said.

“It gave a reason to think about the Mount Barker Cup.

“I’m happy with him going into the race.

“He can be hot and cold but thankfully he is doing it at the right time.”

Regal Honour drops from 57.5kg to 55kg. He has drawn barrier six for Clint Johnston-Porter.

Tom Almighty is on the 54kg minimum.

Smith and Parnham are aiming for their second success in the Mount Barker Cup. The former prepared, Viscount Cameron in 2009 and the latter rode Xaarlington for his father, Neville, a year earlier.