He only started training less than 12 months ago, but Alice Springs-based Dan Morgan is in line to win his first big race on Saturday with Don’t Be Dramatic in the $50,000 NT Guineas (1600m).
Morgan, also a licenced jockey, had his first runner last April and ended the season with five wins.
With a team of nine horses, the 30-year-old has had 10 wins this season, and Don’t Be Dramatic is expected to start the Red Centre’s three-year-old feature as favourite with horse racing bookmakers.
After a disruptive start to his career, the son of Super One has excelled.
Heading to the barriers for his debut on January 6, the gelding bolted when spooked by thunder and was scratched.
The following week he saluted over 1000m (BM54) before facing three-year-old opposition which resulted in a win and two runner-up performances.
It was after rolling his own group by three lengths over 1400m a fortnight ago that Don’t Be Dramatic’s Guineas prospects soared.
He’ll start from barrier three on Saturday with experienced NT jockey Paul Denton in the saddle, while Morgan’s filly Fairytale Bliss (Dylan Staney) jumps from gate 11 in the 12-horse field.
“My first full season as a trainer and to be going into the Guineas with two live chances, I’m very excited,” Morgan said.
“Don’t Be Dramatic is pretty easy to train – keep him fresh, keep him happy.
“He’s well and truly done his job, so whether he wins or runs last on Saturday he’ll likely be going for a well-deserved holiday.
“He’s only a baby and it’s his first racing prep, he’s done a terrific job.
“He will most likely go and mature in the paddock, and come back a nice strong horse for next season.
“With the changes to the NT program, I’ve still got enough time to give him a break and think about it.
“At this stage, probably won’t be heading to Darwin with him.”
It was following his narrow loss behind Kevin Lamprecht’s Beyond Ready over 1200m that Morgan and Denton discussed changing Don’t Be Dramatic’s gear before his last start win.
“We had a bit of a play, but for him to go out and win as nicely as he did we were both pretty excited and a little bit surprised,” Morgan said.
“Paul is obviously very experienced, he knows how to ride him.”
Neither of the Guineas runners has won or run a place over 1600m, with Becquerel, He’s Maverick and The Panther (Neil Dyer) the only horses in the field to race over a mile and beyond.
“It’s unknown territory for all of us,” Morgan said.
“I tend to keep my head down and bum up, and worry about my own horses rather than keep my eye on others.”
Morgan, who isn’t riding during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, is enjoying life as a trainer.
“We’re having a ripping season, the team is ticking along nicely,” he said.
“They’re all doing me very proud, they’re making me look good.
“I definitely have no complaints.”
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