Bootlegger leads the local hopes in Group 3 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Morphettville Parks

Bootlegger has impressed in his first two starts but faces a sharp test in the Group 3 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Morphettville.

Bootlegger, ridden by Emily Finnegan, wins at Gawler in July. Picture: Makoto Kaneko

Local hope Bootlegger hasn’t put a foot wrong ahead of Saturday’s Sires’ Produce Stakes at Morphettville Parks, as trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray hunt a second two-year-old stakes win this year.

Bootlegger was a classy maiden winner at Gawler over 1200m, defeating Violet Lovebug by a length, who the gelding meets again on Saturday.

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A Group 3 tilt over 1400m awaits, with Victorians Volkano and Ethereum Girl set to make their presence felt in a field of nine on the Parks circuit.

It looms as a significant test, but the early signs are that Bootlegger is up to the task. 

“He came through it (Gawler) really well,” MacGillivray said.

“Obviously with two-year-olds, you’re always thinking have they had enough?

“He’s eating, he’s had plenty of energy and we’re looking forward to it.”

Volkano is a $2.90 race favourite with Sportsbet, ahead of Bootlegger ($3.40) and Ethereum Girl ($4.50).

Stokes filly Kazaru is a $9.50 shot, while the next SA-based contender in the market is Mostly For Show ($12).

“Obviously it’s hard to line him up with that interstate form, but everything he’s done has been solid,” she said.

“We think he’s probably improved, we’re pretty sure the extra trip will be right up his alley.”

There was nothing discreet about Bootlegger’s win!

The 2YO was very impressive winning his maiden at Gawler. https://t.co/KedH1SUEn0pic.twitter.com/LY2RrjQGoa

— Dare To Dream (@DareToDreamSA) July 7, 2025

Bootlegger has shown tactical versatility in two career starts, charging home from well back to finish runner-up to From The Block on debut, before box-seating and careering away last start.

He was ridden by Emily Finnegan on both occasions, and the Irish hoop, an experienced member of Adelaide’s riding ranks, will pilot again on Saturday.

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A win would be Finnegan’s first Group race success in Australia, after four Listed victories earlier in her career.

“It would be a huge thrill for her, obviously she’s been riding for a good few years. She’s got a lot of experience,” MacGillivray said.

“Through no fault of her own, through circumstance and injury at times, she hasn’t been able to capitalise when she’s in really good form.

“She’s riding well and she deserves the opportunity. She’s ridden the horse well every time she’s gone out on him.

“We’re confident he’ll run his best race and if that’s good enough, that’s good enough.”

Emily Finnegan celebrates after Bootlegger's win at Gawler. Picture: Makoto Kaneko

Clarken declared gun filly Steel Trap a “bloody beauty” after she won the Group 3 David Coles at Morphettville earlier this year, and Bootlegger has the Brinkley-based conditioners equally excited.

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“They’re a different style of horse, Steel Trap was probably a bit tougher earlier on than him,” she said.

“Having said that, since he’s been through the different stages of maturity, shin soreness and things, he’s a pretty tough little character.

“He’s obviously got above average ability.

“There’s three Too Darn Hots in the race – I hope he’s the best of them.”

Originally published as Bootlegger leads the local hopes in Group 3 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Morphettville Parks