Best bets for nine-race card on H C Nitschke Stakes Day at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.
The 1400m Listed feature has attracted a competitive 10-horse field to highlight the day's action at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.
Phillip Stokes is looking for his second SA feature success in as many weeks after his 3YO filly Comanche Miss saluted in the Clare Lindop Stakes last Saturday. His 3YO gelding Stay Focused currently sits atop in early markets for the Nitschke off the back of his brave all the way win at Moonee Valley last start. The son of Cosmic Force is yet to taste success over 1400m but is sure to give backers a great sight from barrier two under the cool calm hands of Lachlan Neindorf.
Matisse from the Anthony & Sam Freedman stable looks best suited stepping out to 1400m after two strong chasing efforts back in Melbourne over sprinting trips. Under the conditions, it's as light as the Microphone filly has got in at the weights and she will relish the anticipated strong tempo. As long as she's not too far back, Stay Focused & Justa Star could set up as great bunnies for Matisse.
On Display is another that comes over the border and has attracted market support on the back of her eye-catching finish behind Clean Energy last start G3 level. She gets the chance to take closer order from the kinder draw and is one with plenty of upside.
I lean slightly in the corner of Matisse, though her negative racing pattern is always a concern.
Now to my bets.
The best comes in the opener where I'm with ex-Victorian Dual Pressure from the red-hot Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor stable.
The boys have a terrific knack of keeping their tried horses right up to scratch and look to have Dual Pressure going just as well from where he left off when departing Matthew Ellerton.
The four-year-old showed plenty of grit when resuming over a similar trip at headquarters, fending off the fast-finishing Spirit Of Camelot to get the verdict. He lugged the big weight that day and is tasked with doing the same again but with improvement up his sleeve I'm confident he can make it two on the trot in the new colours.
It was a toss up between two for my best. The other I'm keen on comes from another in form SA stable and is Synchro for Michael Hickmott.
Dominating his maiden here when resuming off a long break, the four-year-old was admittedly a touch flat second-up. Still lightly raced and learning his trade, the Niagara gelding shoulders plenty of upside and I expect him to be bouncing back sharply third-up. Todd Pannell sticking and blinkers on first time suggest he's to fire.
Say From SA
Best: Race 1 #3 Dual Pressure @ $4
Also backing: Race 6 #7 Synchro @ $5
