Morton camp in buoyant mood for Champion Fillies Stakes
“If Brad Parnham can have her close enough on Saturday, she’s going to be real hard to hold out.”
Trainer Dan Morton’s stable representative BJ Ryan conveyed an air of confidence on Tabradio when discussing the fortunes of Ron’s Finalflutter who will have an army of supporters ahead of the Group 3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).
The Morton team are on a high following the win of Railway Stakes (1600m) equal favourite Super Smink in the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and are upbeat that Ron’s Finalflutter can continue the winning trend at Ascot on Saturday.
London’s Image scored an upset victory leading all the way to collect the winner’s cheque in the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m), but Ron’s Finalflutter lost no admirers in defeat when charging home at the rate of knots for second.
The Written Tycoon filly sat midfield with cover and gave London’s Image a big start when turning for home, but produced an outstanding performance under jockey, Brad Parnham, when she unleashed a blistering finish to go down by a gallant head margin.
Like most, the run didn’t go unnoticed by the Morton camp.
“I’m sure everyone saw how well she hit the line,” Ryan said.
“I’m looking forward to her being really strong at the end of 1600m.”
Ron’s Finalflutter has earned a cheque in every start and goes for her biggest payday in the Champion Fillies Stakes.
She’s recorded one win and three minor placings in four attempts, shedding her maiden tag when first-up at Bunbury in September.
Ryan said from early on Ron’s Finalflutter has shown encouraging signs.
“We liked her as a type early and she ran well at her first start in a race behind West Star,” Ryan said.
“She’s just got this real determination about her.
“When she balances up, she can really let rip the last 200m.
“It’s a tremendous attribute.”
Morton will have two bites at the Champion Fillies Stakes with Cashel Palace also set to take her place in the 12-horse line-up.
The Street Boss filly saluted for the first time at Ascot on Melbourne Cup Day over 1500m but will play second fiddle to her stablemate.
“Both fillies have been inseparable for the past 12-months,” Ryan said.
“They trialled against each other, raced against each other.
“I don’t think there is that much between them, but definitely give the edge to Ron’s Finalflutter.”
Lucy Warwick will partner Cashel Palace, who has drawn barrier two.
Ron’s Finalflutter exits from gate eight with Parnham keeping the mount.
Parnham and Morton are looking to rekindle fond Champion Fillies Stakes memories after combining with 2017 champion, Samovare.
Ryan also cautioned punters not to dismiss Saloon Bar as a genuine winning chance in the Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m).
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