WHAT THEY SAID AT MORROW PARK

Race 1 – Maiden Plate (1000m)

Mac Me Mate for trainer Nicole Homann and jockey Graham Watson:

“This is great for Nicole, she is a great trainer,” owner Eddie Sharman said.

“She loves the horses like they are her little babies, and I would not give my horses to anyone else.

“It has been to two other trainers, they did not want him, they thought he was just lazy.”

Race 2 – Class B Handicap (1000m)

The Frontier for trainer Fred Wieland and jockey Emily

Cass:

“It was a pretty easy win really,” Wieland said.

“The barrier probably beat him the other day at Cairns and now he has won his last two since.

“We will get him in the Class 1 at Cairns this coming Friday now, back him up.”

Race 3 – Class 4 Handicap (1200m)

Slam Dunked for trainer Athol Ryan and jockey Frank Edwards:

“He had 61kg and that race was not devoid of talent. There was a lot of horses with a lot of pace that had been racing well on the provincial circuit,” Edwards said.

“When the two leaders went forward hard, I was confident to let my horse relax and get into his rhythm.

“I was not about to give chase early, he was able to pick up the steal running down the hill. And, when I saw the two leaders shortening stride, I knew the race was mine.”

Race 4 – Open Handicap (1200m)

Windmill Lane for trainer Ricky Ludwig and jockey Kate Southam:

“He has come back better than ever,” Ludwig said.

“We will see how he pulls up, we may go to Ewan for the Stampede qualifier race.

“It was a good ride from Kate. She did what I told her to do. He is a great horse this one.”

Race 5 – QTIS Benchmark 50 Handicap (1400m)

Clout for trainer Scott Cooper and jockey Scott Gittos:

“He took off and kept going. I ran into a little bit of trouble, but I got out of that quick smart,” Gittos said.

“The horse just kept battling on to the line, and I was grateful to ride a winner after such a long time. It would have been eight months since my last one.

“It is good to ride one for a local trainer like Scott. We get on well, and I have to thank Scott for putting me on board and giving me a red-hot crack.”

Race 6 – Atherton Cup Open Handicap (2000m)

Buxton for trainer Lisa Donovan and jockey Graham Kliese:

“It is great to win this race for a second straight year,” Donovan said.

“He is a special horse. We had to defend the title, I am glad we were able to pull it off.”