Another Morton runner Lusaha, ran a good third.
Last year Morton had the quinella in this the race with London Line and Man Booker, the latter going on to win the WA Guineas (1600m) a fortnight later and he appears to again have a strong hand for that race this year.
The victory vindicated jockey Brad Parnham’s decision to ride Saul’s Special, in preference to Lusaha and his father’s Neville representative Wrinkly. The in-form rider had completed a double, last Tuesday at Ascot’s Melbourne Cup Day fixture.
Morton said he thought “a feature race was on the cards,” with his galloper and that the speed of the race and barrier gate (6) had helped. “I think he will also be suited by the Guineas distance.He is a high quality horse and I would add Lusaha is also a work in progress who has a big race in him.”
At his last start in the Belgravia Stakes, Saul’s Special had raced keenly and wide before finishing on to run second a length behind Caipirinha.
Parnham had the colt in fifth position until the turn, gaining a nice cart up in running. ‘‘I had wanted initially to sit a little further back but he began well and he is a special horse.”
Owner Craig Thompson who is eying a Sydney Trip next autumn, rated his new galloper as better than King Saul, his 2011 WA Guineas winner.
