Jockey Ashley Morgan’s breakout year continues to gather momentum, with the Welsh-born rider claiming the $500,000 The Coast at Gosford, adding to his growing list of feature race wins.
Morgan, already partnered with rising sprint star Private Harry, who has secured victories in the $3 million The Sunlight (1100m) and Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m), also collected the $1 million Provincial-Midway Championships Final with Matcha Latte earlier this year.
On Saturday, Morgan picked up the ride on the in-form Know Thyself in The Coast (1600m) after regular jockey Aaron Bullock couldn’t make the gelding’s 53kg weight. “It’s Aaron’s horse and he’s done all the hard work. I was just benefitting because I can get a bit lighter,” Morgan said.
Know Thyself ($2.70) surged again in the straight to hold off Depth Of Character ($4.60) by a length, with Mare Of Mt Buller ($9) in third. The win marked Know Thyself’s fourth consecutive victory and set him up for a potential start in the Scone Cup (1600m) next Friday.
Co-trainer Paul Messara said the team would assess Know Thyself’s condition before making a final decision, but added, “That (win) will definitely get him in.” The Listed Scone Cup offers $200,000 in prizemoney.