by DOC » Fri Jun 28, 2019 11:33 am
Jon O’Connor is hoping his stable can continue its late season momentum at Morphettville on Saturday.
O’Connor said his stable was in the middle of a rejuvenation period.
“We’ve had a quiet 12 or 18 months, a lot of small stables go through it,’’ O’Connor said.
“We’ve got a lot of young horses coming thought and we’re a bit like my football club (AFL club Carlton) going through the rebuilding,’’ he said.
After a quiet first half of 2019, O’Connor’s stable has notched up three city winners over the past four weeks much to the delight of punters.
Akkacan was $13 into $10 at Morphettville on May 25, Left Hand Man was $3.20 into $2.70 while lightly-raced two-year-old Magic Phantom jumped a $12 chance when he powered over the top of rivals to win on June 15.
Left Hand Man was one of the best backed horses across Australia when he was successful earlier this month and is marked a $5.50 chance with Ladbrokes.
O’Connor said the horse’s return to winning form culminated with a decent barrier draw after some luckless efforts in handy races.
“I’ve always liked him,’’ O’Connor said of Left hand Man.
“He’s been a horse plagued by bad barriers. I’m a big believer when it comes to barriers having a big impact on results, he drew wide in the Guineas, then had to work hard after drawing eight of eight his next start.
“He drew well and won accordingly last time,’’ he said.
Magic Phantom comes off a fast finishing win and O’Connor said the horse still has plenty to learn.
“He hit the ground running early in his jump outs,’’ O’Connor said.
“Since he’s come back his pattern seems to have gone the other way and I really like horses that are hitting the line hard.
“Jumping from 1100m out to 1250m should be OK given the way he was able to pick them up last time,’’ he said.
Brotherhood Of Man has had just the two starts and O’Connor said any Adelaide rain would only enhance his chances.
“He’s had a few niggles along the way, nothing serious,’’ O’Connor added.
“There was nothing wrong with his run the other day and he trialled really well prior to his return.
“If we get a bit of rain about that will certainly help his chances,’’ said.