3 minute read

There were plenty of highlights for trainer Dan Morton and his red-hot stable to take in following another lucrative weekend of racing.

Established star Elite Street the standout in the G3 Northam Stakes (1100m), but two of the stables' youngsters also look set for promising futures after impressive displays.

Top Of The Pops, a Spirit Of Boom two-year-old, continued his perfect introduction to racing and is two from two after elevating from a Pinjarra maiden victory.

He came to town starting favourite and showed positive signs when he worked home strongly from midfield to chase down Goddess Of Giving.

Otheroneson also had the heavy support of punters as the raging $1.30 favourite and he did not let them down when rising to 1600m for the first time.

The Demerit three-year-old made it look easy against his rivals when he kicked clear at the top of the straight to win by a dominant three lengths.

The gelding has earned a cheque every time he has gone around with three wins and three placings from six outings taking prizemoney and bonuses to a touch over $200,000.

In upcoming weeks Otheroneson can add valuable black type to his resume with Morton set to target him towards feature three-year-old winter races.

Morton's quietly confident he can reach the Raconteur Stakes (1400m), Belmont Guineas (1600m), Aquanita Stakes (2000m) and Belmont Classic (2200m).

"Otheroneson is very exciting," Morton said.

"There are the four three-year-old Listed races at Belmont and he will pretty much slide into those.

"It looks a good opportunity for him.

"If he stays on the same curve you would like to think he's going to be a horse that will be around at the end of the year for you.

"We'll get through these ones, have a nice break and with a little bit of luck be aimed up at some nice races later.

"We won't press too long this time around with Top Of The Tops.

"If there is another good opportunity he can go there, otherwise he can have a little break.

"But, he's a neat package and I think he is going to make into a nice horse."

Morton said Elite Street had come through his fighting Northam Stakes success in good order and will end a cameo winter campaign in Saturday week's Group 3 Roma Cup (1200m) at Belmont.

"He was very fresh on the day, but has come through in good shape," Morton said.

"Two weeks' time we will line up in the Roma Cup.

"Weight for age he gets better in at the weights, but they are quality horses he is running against.

"He got a dream run yesterday (Sunday), but you still need everything to go your way."

The only low point for Morton was the run of Buzzoom, who finished ahead of one runner as hot favourite in the Sheila Gwynne Classic (1400m).

"She unfortunately had a fibrillate on the day, but is fine this morning," Morton said.