T.J. Smith Next for Morant

Saturday, 27 February 2010 10:13

Promising three-year-old Morant will be aimed at the Schweppes-T.J. Smith Trophy at Ascot on March 13 by trainer Graeme Ballantyne, after his courageous win in the SKMRC-Challenge Stakes on Saturday.

The son of Fusaichi Pegasus had no favours on Saturday, as he was stuck in a three deep position with no cover throughout for William Pike.

As the field had swung for home, Pike began to ride Morant in vigorous fashion and despite travelling deep throughout; he strode by his opposition to record a top win.

It was only the second win for Morant at start number eight, but he has always shown enough potential to indicate he has plenty more wins in store.

The win by Morant was the first Saturday Metropolitan victory for top jockey William Pike, who was happy to get the win on the board.

“Finally! It was a gutsy win, but I wasn’t too concerned being three deep throughout. We had the wind at our back and he was travelling comfortable underneath me.” William Pike said following the win.

Apart from the winner there were some encouraging performances by some gallopers that are en-route to the WATC-Derby.

The third placed Zentrate was hitting the line full of gusto for Daniel Staeck and he looks on track for a promising campaign.

What they said – “Very pleased with his win. We’ll head to the T.J. Smith and take it from there after that. I am still unsure how far he will get.” Winning owner Bob Peters said following the win.