Trainer Dan Morton believes he has a live chance in the G2 WA Guineas (1600m) with progressive Playing God 3yo True Apostle.

A Pinjarra juvenile winner in April, True Apostle disappointed with a last bar one finish at Belmont earlier this month but improved out of sight when sitting on the speed back at Belmont on Saturday.  He dug deep when challenged by the favourite Blue Rocket (Blue Point) to score by over a length.

“We were keen to go forward today because taking him back didn’t work out last time,” Morton said.  “I’ve been very happy with what I seen behind the scenes in the last week and it panned out nicely with cover today.

“The WA Guineas is on the radar.”  Morton won the classic with Man Booker (Discorsi) in 2015 and this year’s $500,000 WA Guineas (1600m) is set down for November 23 at Ascot.  Playing God (Blackfriars) won it in 2010 and he sired last year’s winner Zipaway.

Winning jockey Lucy Fiore reported True Apostle was always travelling smoothly behind front-runner Mean Machine (Maschino).  “He’s a big, free-moving horse and probably got to the lead a bit too early in the straight,” she said.  “But, to his credit, he never laid down.”

True Apostle was bred by Anita Vale Stud and was sold by Dawson Stud (as agent) for $60,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions.  He’s the final foal from Sebring Lane (Sebring) who completed a running double for Morton at Pinjarra in August 2015.

Following a transfer east to Mick Price, she won at Geelong beating the following year’s G3 VRC Matron Stakes (1600m) winner Felicienne (Al Maher).  Second-dam Crimson Lane (Danehill) is a half-sister to G3 AJC Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) winner Crimson Reign (Red Ransom).

Playing God stands for $49,500 at Darling View Thoroughbreds with Splintex ($11,000) and Lightsaber ($6,600).  Service fees (inc GST).  Stud manager Brent Atwell can be contacted for bookings or more information on 0408 648 100.