Morris trying his best

TALENTED reinsman David Morris is proving popular with trainers in the Sydney basin and has three drives at Penrith on Thursday night.

Morris and his fiancée Stephanie Lippiatt currently have eight horses in work and share a barn at the Menangle Park Training Centre with prominent trainer, Leon Jurd.

“We have a great set-up at the Training Centre – it is truly world-class and I have to take my hat off to those who made it all happen,” said Morris.

“It is a real asset for harness racing in Sydney.

“Steph and I enjoy working our small team and when we are finished, we jump in and give Leon a hand with his horses. 

“It is good to be able to help each other out and we gain so much from Leon, especially when we can hone in on his knowledge and advice.

“Both Steph and I enjoy driving so we do a fair bit of driving for the camp.”

Morris explained that he and Stephanie currently have a couple of handy pacers in their care, namely Alta Dream Lover and My Patronus, which are owned in the same interests.

“They are both ex-Kiwis who we are preparing to head for Saturday night racing at Menangle, they are presently the best of our team,” said Morris.

“I mostly drive at Menangle, Penrith and Newcastle but have driven quite a lot at Bankstown and other tracks over the years.

“I started off with my Dad Noel when I was quite young which opened up so many opportunities for me, driving for some of the best stables which laid a great platform for my career.

“Thursday I have just three drives, all of which I believe can run well.”

Morris is keen on the prospects of Clementsorrell, which he will drive in Race 6.

“He has drawn poorly in gate nine, but his recent form is quite solid which includes placings at Canberra and Penrith in his past four runs.

“I am driving Borders Man for Joe Mauro in the last and from the draw (barrier four) I feel he will be hard to hold out. 

“He is a funny horse but has ability. 

“He finished third here three starts back and with the right trip, can definitely get the cash,” said Morris.

Harness Racing New South Wales