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Contrasting fortunes for trainer at Morphettville Parks

Murray Bridge trainer Sam Burford left the Morphettville Parks meeting on Saturday thinking what might have been, after contrasting results with two fancied runners.

Brimarvi Vehero continued his consistent campaign winning impressive early in the day and what loomed as the perfect opportunity for Burford to bring first city double when Oh Mo went to the gates a well-fancied favourite.

But it was over before the race started.

The horse sprung a shoe and was subsequently scratched, the disappointment only compounded when the race was run at hectic speed and set-up for swoopers, with Silverhawk ultimately powering past rivals.

Despite the disappointment with Oh Mo, Brimarvi Vehero was brilliant, showing a blistering turn of speed.

“He’s a bloody legend, we love him,” Burford said.

“I’ve got to thank the owners, they put a lot into racing so it’s great to see them getting rewarded with this bloke.”

Burford said the horse could easily have a much better record, despite having only missed a place just four times in his 21-start career.

“He’s just so honest, he probably should have a couple (wins) more on the board, he’s been a bit unlucky a few times,” Burford said.

“His turn of foot late, they just can’t go with him.”

Winning jockey Dom Tourneur said the addition of blinkers were key as the pair drove through a needle-eye gap on straightening.

“We did need a bit of luck, there wasn’t much room there,” Tourneur said.

“Without the blinkers he wouldn’t have taken that run.”

Meanwhile Jake Toeroek started his 2020-21 season perfectly, taking riding honours with a double and taking the opportunity to have a cheeky shot at close mate Jason Holder, who celebrated a birthday during the week, when Chosen Blonder scored in the opening race.

“Can I just give a quick shout-out to Stubby Holder who had his 50th during the week, happy birthday mate,” Toeroek said tongue in cheek on racing.com.

Toeroek’s second winner came at big price when Rex Goliath led throughout, the decision by trainer Dennis O’Leary to head to Morphettville instead of returning to Port Augusta proving a fruitful one.

But the best celebration of the day came from Bordertown trainer James Dodgson when Territory Titan made it four win in succession, running rivals ragged over the 1550m trip.

“Four in a row, what can you say? He’s flying,” Dodgson said.

“He’s always shown that he has it, you have to be a little bit patient sometimes.

“I’m so proud of him.”

The other highlight of the day was Natasha Storr winning her first race as a sole trainer, with Double Blue. Storr’s long-time training partner Trevor Dansie announced his retirement last week, and she wasted no time getting on the winners’ list with the striking grey taking out the maiden plate in convincing style by three lengths.

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