Trainer questioned after horse drifts from $2.80 out to $41

Mount Gambier trainer Trevor White

There was no bigger betting drift on Saturday than Clever Man in the sixth at Morphettville Parks, jumping at $41 with TAB after opening at $2.80.

The resuming seven-year-old started even longer on Betfair at $72 for the BM86 affair over 1400m.

After settling just off the leading brigade from barrier three, Clever Man enjoyed an economical midfield run under 3kg-claiming apprentice Hannah Edgley.

The son of Dundeel was left flat-footed at the 400m and just held his position in the run to the line, finishing 2.8 lengths from the heavily-backed winner Chicago Storm ($1.75F).

Chicago Storm keeps the favourite backers happy with that one ???? pic.twitter.com/nLEr0X25ml

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 23, 2023

Clever Man's trainer Trevor White was questioned by stewards post-race regarding the significant betting drift.

"Mr White explained that he was aware of the drift and felt that the initial price available was far too short given the gelding's record first-up and over 1400m," read the Morphettville Parks stewards' report.

Clever Man was having his first start since finishing second in the Listed Port Adelaide Cup over 2500m back on April 29, having failed to place in seven previous fresh runs.

The resuming stayer had four 1400m runs to his name prior to Saturday's assignment, with his best performance a third at Naracoorte in BM54 grade.

White added that Clever Man had enjoyed an ideal lead-up to his spring return, with no setbacks or missed work.

Clever Man was a dominant 904m trial winner on August 30, scoring by 3.2 lengths on a Heavy 8 surface at Mount Gambier – perhaps explaining his bizarrely short opening quote.

Race winner Chicago Storm opened at $5 with TAB following a dominant first-up victory and a second-placing to shock winner Lord Vladivostok.

No further action will be taken regarding Clever Man's drift and performance.