Gelding’s next gear

PERTH trainer Dan Morton believes there’s another level of form he is yet to coax out of Man Booker and the signs suggest he might just achieve that in Queensland this winter.

Man Booker resumed from a near six-month spell when eighth in the Doomben 10,000 this month.

Despite having to race wide for most of the trip, the only horse to produce a quicker last 600m and final 200m in the race was Osborne Bulls.

That was his first go in the clockwise direction, having had just the one course proper gallop prior, where he was “all at sea” according to his trainer.

“I was really pleased with the run. We drew the outside, it was his first go this way of going and I’d only given him one trial leading into it since November,” Morton said.

“I like the way he got to the line late and I think he will improve off it. The bigger roomier track will suit.”