3 minute read

Travis Doudle is unperturbed by a wide gate with Morphettville Guineas winner Struck By, who makes his Melbourne debut at Caulfield on Saturday.

Chasing his fourth successive win, Struck By has drawn barrier 15, but is helped by a two-kilogram claim to star apprentice Will Price.

"We won't ride him any differently," Adelaide-based trainer Travis Doudle said.

"We'll still roll forward, hopefully he can find a nice spot inside the first 300m and he'll be right in it with a chance."

Doudle said Struck By enjoyed a light couple of days following his last-start Listed success but had ticked all the boxes on the training track since.

"He had a couple of days in the paddock, and he's galloped up really good," Doudle said.

"He's lost no fitness. I jumped on him myself down the beach yesterday and he felt terrific so hopefully he can continue with that form."

There is plenty of SA interest at Caulfield on Saturday.

Peter Jolly has Morvada in the Victoria Handicap (1400m), Mick Huxtable has Ritratto making the trip to Caulfield, with Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil booked to ride, while Sophie Logan will partner Mystyko for Trevor Rogers in the Robert Taranto Handicap (1000m). Stuart Gower's Mongolian Marshal will battle red-hot Persan again in the Easter Cup.

And Will Clarken will be hoping for another scratching so impressive last-start Morphettville winner Beau Rossa gains a start as a second emergency in the Jack Elliot Handicap (1100m).