Morris making the most of catch drives

The festive season has been a busy period for one of Sydney’s leading freelance reinsman David Morris.

Morris landed a winner at Penrith on Thursday night when he rated the Jarrod Alchin-trained Delightful Dude to perfection in front, scoring comfortably in a solid time of 1.57.1

He went close in four other races on the Penrith program when he drove a second placegetter and three thirds.

It was then onto Newcastle on Christmas Eve where he combined with Belinda McCarthy to land a winning double and was runner up in two other races at the International Paceway.

The first of that double was aboard the royally-bred Bella Bling, a two-year-old filly by Bettors Delight and out of 2013 Miracle Mile winner Baby Bling.

Morris was able to sneak some cheap sectionals early in the race before running the last quarter in a fast 27.4 seconds and Bella Bling held on too well for her opposition.

Charli Rose, who is owned in similar interests, made it a good night for the McCarthy- Morris team as after being forced to race without cover, the filly fought on strongly to score by a head.

The popular Menangle Park reinsman has racked up more than 40 winners for the year and will be looking to add to that number at Bankstown this afternoon, where he has five drives.

Morris is confident that he can kick the day off with a winner in the first when he partners odds-on favourite Ripstone Snorter, a consistent gelding trained at Bargo by Terry Frost.

“I am only keeping the seat warm on Ripstone Snorter for his regular driver Glenn McElhinney, who is sidelined with an injury,” said Morris.

“From gate three, I do feel he gets his chance to break through for his first win.

“From 10 starts he has run seven placings.

“I have driven him at his past three runs and have been impressed by the way he has performed.

“I am driving Minimum Wage in Race 3 and despite his wide gate six draw, with a bit of luck in running, I think he can win.

“My partner Steph (Lippiatt) and I are currently working only three horses, but we help out driving trackwork for a few other stables.

“All is going well for us and hopefully the new year will bring on more winners.”

To view fields for Bankstown on Monday click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW