As Western Australia’s racing season reaches its peak, trainer Dan Morton has his stable’s top contenders ready for the opening day of The Pinnacles at Ascot in Perth.

Across five race days, four Group 1 races totalling $1.5 million will be contested, and Morton is eyeing the prize money with his charge, the $2.60 favourite for Saturday’s $500,000 Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m).

Afireofgidgeecoals, a name inspired by the burning of the Australian gidgee tree and a song by Slim Dusty, enters the race after a narrow second in the Placid Ark Prelude (1100m) on October 31. This followed a second-place finish first-up in the Listed Max Simmonds Stakes (1000m) 21 days prior.

“I had to go three weeks at some point and I didn’t want to do it leading into this being his grand final,” Morton explained regarding the three-year-old colt.

“So I wanted to get that out of the way early. He is in peak fitness for it and I am looking forward to the race.

“He’s a young colt and he was starting to get a bit above himself at the end of that last week of the three.

“So I’m happier with the space leading into this from his last start.”

The son of popular sire Too Darn Hot will sport two gear changes this week, a tactic that has proven successful in his stable.

“He has been tracking along really well,” Morton added.

“I’ve put the blinkers on and the Norton bit. It’s a bit unconventional but it is just to let him know that he’s got to come back to us.

“I have persevered with that gear since last start, and he’s taken to it well.”

With Lucy Fiore in the saddle, Morton is anticipating Afireofgidgeecoals to race midfield with cover, and he remains open to targeting the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes if the colt performs well.

Afireofgidgeecoals is currently priced at $11 for the 1200m feature on November 28.

“We are going into the carnival with plenty of ammo,” Morton stated.

Get the latest racing odds and betting markets for the Placid Ark Stakes at Australian betting sites.