A Melbourne spring campaign is on offer for Alaskan God if he comes through the Jockey Celebration Day Stakes (1400m) in top order at Belmont on Saturday.
There’s a fair bit riding on Alaskan God’s return and a bit of lost pride to claw back after he failed to land any blow at all in a fruitless Ascot summer campaign.
Expectations were soaring after a starring three-year-old season that netted five straight wins including the G2 WA Derby (2400m)-Listed Melvista Stakes (2200m) double.
The son of Playing God showed some promising signs early during The Pinnacles, but by the Perth Cup (2400m) in January he had gone five runs without a top three finish.
Trainer Dan Morton is confident Alaskan God can return to his best and says the Jockey Celebration Day Stakes is the perfecting starting point to earn redemption.
“I’m really happy with him, he’s had a nice prep leading in and I’m looking forward to getting him back on the track and see where we’re at,” Morton said on Tabradio.
“I don’t think he’s far off his best level and I like what I’m seeing.
“He looks great, is moving good to me and is very good fresh.”
Morton says the Jockey Celebration Day Stakes and the Blue Spec Stakes (1600m) in a fortnight will shape Alaskan God’s Melbourne ambitions.
“We’ve got this horse earmarked to go east,” Morton said.
“These races are real testers to see where we are at.
“If I like what I’m seeing we’ll probably put him on a plane and head over.
“I have no doubt he can measure up.”
Morton will also resume Stafford’s Lad in the Jockey Celebration Day Stakes. The veteran nine-year-old was last seen running a creditable fourth in the Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville in March.
“He’s an old warhorse and it’s about getting the prep started,” Morton said.
“We probably won’t see him do too much exciting until he’s up over a decent journey.”
William Pike has been booked to ride Alaskan God for his first mount on the gelding. Natasha Faithfull combines with Stafford’s Lad. Alaskan Gold heads Tabtouch betting at $3.20, firming from his opening quote of $3.50. Stafford’s Lad is rated a $41 chance.
