Morton Vs Schillaci: A Clash For The Ages

GROUP 1 greats Morton and Schillaci come face to face, from boxes one and two respectively, at Angle Park on Thursday night with a purse of $34,000 to the winner of the Anniversary Cup.

Toss in other track stars like Uncle Tommy, Paw Petrov, Daddy's Girl and Where's Poppy and it shapes as a feature worthy of Group status.

Morton (Tommy Shelby-Chloe Louise) was brilliant winning his heat in 30.16 last week, while Schillaci went 30.24.

ANGLE PARK FIELDS AND FORM FOR THURSDAY NIGHT

"It is not a two-dog race by any means," Jason Sharp, who trains Morton, said.

"In my opinion, Morton is the best dog in the race and the one box is perfect for him.

"Yes, I know Schillaci (winner of The Phoenix) has earned more prizemoney but, Thursday night will depend on who turns up at their peak."

It certainly is a clash for the ages.

Morton has won 22 and earned $674,000, while "the people's dog" Schillaci (Hard Style Rico-Flying Hareeba) is the winner of 18 and $1.3 million.

Morton has won, been placed or a finalist in 13 major races while Schillaci has nine feature races on his resume for his owner-trainer Jihad Talgi.

Sharp admitted he was disappointed by Morton's second place finish to Deadly Avenger in the Group 1 Perth Cup Final on March 13.

"When he led I thought he should have won," he said.

"When we got him home, it was straight to the vet and we found a few things to work on."

He said the dog would head to Queensland for the rich carnival coming up after he contests the Anniversary Cup Final.

Last year, Morton won the Queensland Derby and Gold Bullion at Albion Park, launching a memorable season of racing.