Slick Trial Has Morton On Target For Sandgroper

AN impressive first spin around Cannington on Saturday night has Victorian star Morton firmly on track for the fast approaching The Sandgroper (520m) on April 18.

The group 1 winning son of Tommy Shelby stopped the clock in 29.77 following early sections of 5.52 and 13.81 with co-trainer Jason Sharp more than happy with the slick hit-out.

"He went into the trial short of a run and a bit underdone so I was really happy with how he went," Sharp said.

"His early sections were good and for where he's at he'll find a good four to five lengths at the back end so he's right on track.

"It's a long flight to Perth so it's hard to know what that might have taken out of him as well so the experience will do him the world of good as well for when we head back over."

Winner at 14 of his 23 appearances, Morton's crowning glory came in Brisbane at the start of the year when annexing the Group 1 Gold Bullion following his triumph in the Group 2 Queensland Derby.

Connections then set their sights on the Australian Cup where the gifted speedster finished seventh in the final after qualifying fastest with an electrifying 29.53 heat performance.

"The run in the final wasn't him at all," Sharp said.

"He came out of that with a bit of hock bruising so we eased up on him and worked on getting that and some other little niggles right.

"The break from racing has done him the world of good as well as he'd had a big campaign. Now it's just about making sure he's ready for The Sandgroper."

Set to represent TabTouch in the $300,000-to-the-winner showpiece, Morton is currently a $4.00 equal second favourite with Big Energy.

Favouritism is with Explicit at $2.50.

"It's shaping up as a really hot race," Sharp said.

"Box draws will be all important as it looks like there's going to be a lot of early speed in the race. We are just working out our plan with the dog between now and the race but I'd like to give him one start between now and then.

"We'll head back to Perth on the Tuesday which gives him a couple of days to settle back in. We are staying with Steve and Kirra Withers and they've been a great help right the way through.

"It's like staying at a five-star hotel."