Morton's mare blitzes cup
Long-odds chance Ningaloo Blitz gave Ascot trainer Daniel Morton and apprentice rider Jerry Noske their first success in the $120,000 XXXX Gold 150th Celebrations Albany Cup (2100m) at Percy Spencer Racecourse on Sunday.
The six-year-old finished 10th over 1900m at York last start and opened up at $26 on the tote before drifting to a $30 chance when the gates sprung back in the staying feature race.
Noske settled the mare near the tail at the start of the race but swooped on the field before too long as the pace slowed nearing the crossing.
In a masterful tactic, Ningaloo Blitz strode to the front at the 1200m where Noske allowed her mount to roll along in front and set up a sizeable advantage on the rest of the nine-horse field.
With a commanding lead at the home corner, Noske set sail for home and the mare kept fighting to hold all challengers at bay to down a fast-finishing Ram Jam by a length at the line.
Morton, who tasted Group 3 success with Watermans Bay at Caulfield on Saturday, was overjoyed to take out the 2015 Albany Cup with his first-ever runner.
"It was pretty satisfying," Morton said.
"Not many races lead themselves to that happening and I knew we were out of the betting.
"I told Jerry to pull the trigger really early; no one will chase us because they don't think we are a chance, and she pulled it off."
The consistent galloper has won 10 of her 47 career starts for $235,376 in stake earnings but Morton said she was reaching the end of her racing. "I'd say it was (her biggest win), it was a good race," he said.
"She's in the twilight of her career - she may head to the breeding barn at the end of the season, but there is still the winter to get through.
"After each start, we will just pick the right races for her; she may even head north for some of those cups."
Morton will back up the mare in Saturday's inaugural $120,000 WA Cup (3200m).
Race favourite Ora Dare finished third after getting well back in running and Mt Barker Cup winner Marden finished last.
The result ended Adam Durrant's run of victory in five of the past six Albany cups.
