MORTON'S THREE PRONGED ATTACK IN THE NORTHERLY

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Trainer Dan Morton has three runners in Saturday’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes at Ascot, most notably the unbeaten King Of Light who has won all of his five starts right up to Group 2 level which came in the WA Guineas over 1600m in his last start.

“Looking forward to it, obviously,” said Morton.

“King of Light’s done nothing wrong, He is just such a nice horse to train. He is so laid back and keeps getting the job done.

“He raises the bar himself come race-day. He has got to raise the bar again come Saturday at Weight For Age. He is doing everything right.

“He is an exciting horse and deservedly is the favourite … but, like I say, he has still got to take another big step.

“Because he is a pretty laid back customer we have got to make sure he is doing his work properly, otherwise he gets a bit burly on you, but he’s had enough runs under his belt and he’ll be going in pretty right on Saturday.

“So far, so good with him. Just a couple of more nervous sleeps until Saturday.

“Pure Excess is a different fish,” offered Morton. “She is a bit of a light filly, so the three-week gap (since her win in the WA Champion Fillies Stakes) has been perfect for her. We just kept her ticking over with a couple of maintenance gallops.

“Carrying 50kg … she could show up.”

Morton’s third runner in the Northerly is In Good Order.

“He’s starting to get to peak fitness. His main aim is this one and the next couple towards the Perth Cup. He’s a happy horse in good order,” said Morton.

Willie Pike, as usual, will ride King Of Light. Steven Parnham stays aboard Pure Excess and Shaun O’Donnell does the same with In Good Order.