MORGAN’S HECTIC WEEKEND SCHEDULE CHASING MORE BIG “FISH”

TO say Ash Morgan is in for a busy weekend would be an understatement!

The Newcastle-based jockey, who recently clinched a maiden Group 1 triumph on unbeaten three-year-old Private Harry, is chasing more features – in two separate States.

Morgan will continue an already successful association with Provincial-Midway Championships Final winner Matcha Latte in Saturday’s $250,000 Group 3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) before heading interstate to partner Iowna Merc in Sunday’s $1m The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton’s Callaghan Park.

Twice winner of the NSW jockeys’ premiership, Morgan is enjoying a breakout season; Private Harry’s The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 22 the obvious highlight of his 86 winners so far since August 1.

He is unbeaten from two rides on the four-year-old, having also won a PMC Qualifier (1400m) at Newcastle on the gelding on March 20.

The Hawkesbury Gold Cup carries eligibility for the $3m Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick, and Wyong trainer Sara Ryan, who won the 2023 edition with Attractable, is keen to qualify Matcha Latte for the November feature.

Iowna Merc provided the Welsh expat with a black type breakthrough in Australia in the Listed Canterbury Sprint (1200m) on New Year’s Day.

Morgan also rode the Bjorn Baker-trained five-year-old when 15th to stablemate Stefi Magnetica in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile at Royal Randwick on April 5.

Baker has freshened Iowna Merc for the Rockhampton race, which is run along similar lines to Sydney’s $20m The Everest (1200m), but at set weights plus penalties rather than weight-for-age.

“It’s my first time to Rockhampton, and I’m looking forward to it,” Morgan said today.

“I’m hoping to get a flight from Sydney to Brisbane on Saturday night after the Hawkesbury meeting, and then fly to Rockhampton on Sunday morning.”

Iowna Merc is the current $4 second favorite (pre noms) with TAB.com.au for The Archer, which has attracted a number of leading NSW and Victorian jockeys, along with Brisbane’s top riders.

Joining Morgan will be Nash Rawiller on Iowna Merc’s stablemate and last start Randwick winner Sandpaper ($6), Josh Parr rides Kris Lees’ Rustic Steel ($11), and Melbourne gun Craig Williams has been booked for Comrade Rosa ($15).

Story John Curtis, April 27, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos