The Daniel Morton-trained galloper Stafford’s Lad will be hoping to take the next step when he steps out in the Listed A.T.A Stakes over 2200m.
Since his victory in the Kimberly Cup (2020m) at the Broome racetrack, Stafford’s Lad has placed in the Broome Cup (2200m), the Kalgoorlie Cup (2200m), Listed Tattersalls Cup (2100m) and last start in the Listed GA Towton Cup (2200m).
Luckless in the barrier draws, Stafford’s Lad has continually been forced to go back from a wide-draw and be saved up for one final crack at the field, falling just short on multiple occasions.
Having drawn barrier 10 of 10 for this race, the seven-year-old gelding will likely be forced to go back to last again.
With the continual hard luck stories, it would come as no surprise to see regular jockey Chris Parnham make a move in a three-wide line before they reached the top of the straight.
Morton and Parnham will have plenty of competition with Listed winners Black Shadow, Paddy’s Shadow, Midnight Blue, Dom To Shoot and Group 3 winner Taxagano all looking to perform well before the Group 2 Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1, 2022.