Morpheus on the rise in KZN

The Dennis Drier-trained Silvano gelding was heavily backed but found one too good on the day in the form of Forries Waltz but was not disgraced in finishing runner-up beaten just 1.25 lengths.

Trainer Mike de Kock was so impressed with Forries Waltz they have sent him to Dubai to campaign in next year’s Dubai Carnival. So Morpheus, with a merit rating of just 79, should have more wins in him. Jockey Sean Cormack has ridden him all three starts so knows him well enough to place him from stall No 8.

Mountain Master proved very disappointing when not able to catch the free-striding Mercurial Brave and jockey MJ Byleveld gets to redeem himself aboard this Mike Bass-trained Jet Master gelding. Mountain Master was full of running when winning his penultimate so he is another who could prove ahead of the handicapper.

Golden High from the Sean Tarry yard has a poor draw in stall No 11 but jockey S’manga Khumalo has a good record on this horse and his third place to the decent Lockheed Jetstar in a higher division reads well for this type of race. Golden High will, however, have to give weight away to the whole field.

Trainer Brett Crawford returns Red Tractor, who was gelded recently, to the course. The son of Casey Tibbs is on a recovery mission as his last two runs were disappointing.

Bold Inspiration has won twice in his four starts and was last seen when unplaced in last year’s Dingaans so fitness is an issue. But trainer Charles Laird does know how to bring them back from lengthy rests to win.