The five-year-old gelding steps out today, at Grafton, in the Post Office Hotel Jacaranda Cup (1200m) with Marlon Dolendo in the saddle.

Safeas has not had a saddle on him since jarring up at Port Macquarie on September 27.

“He swims seven to eight minutes against the current in the Hastings River most days,” Morton said.

“I don’t think you can get them really fit swimming in a lap pool but the river, in the current, is different.

“And the dolphins are down there.

“It’s amazing they swim around the horses, within three to four metres of the dingy.

“They (horses) love it.

“I’ve done this type of preparation with a couple of horses before and it’s been successful. Hopefully it works for Safeas too.

“I must admit I was tempted to give him a gallop on Monday but resisted.

“The horse is jumping out of his skin, fit as a Mallee Bull.”

Safeas, purchased as a yearling at the Magic Million sales for $46,000 after cutting his leg when he got the feed bin off pre sale, is a horse that has always promised much but, while he’s recorded five wins and seven placings from 27 starts, been “a gunna horse,” Morton reasoned.

“He’s got the ability to win some decent races but he jacks up, does something wrong or like most of the family has problems just when you don’t want them,” Morton said.

“He’s got a personality all of his own, just ask the vet, David Simon.”

For reasons unknown to Morton, Safeas has a blood letting aversion to Simon’s presence.

“When ever the vet comes within 100 yards of Safeas or near his box, he goes berserk, bananas” Morton revealed.

“He just hates him.

“One day in the hosing dock David unwittingly walked past Safeas who was standing as quiet as a mouse when all of a sudden he went bonkers, snorting and tried to jump a brick wall.

“It’s amazing. David is a great vet, good with all my horses but Safeas can’t wear him.

“Maybe Safeas remembers David gelding him, don’t know.

“I’m pretty confident Safeas will run very well today.”

Morton said he would scratch Love Changes from the Winning Edge Presentations Maiden (1100m) to allow stable mate and first reserve Skydome to start.

“He was shin sore at his first start at Grafton but since spelling and giving him time to mature he’s turned into a nice horse,” he explained.

“He’s shown a heap on the track, has trialled well and forward enough to run a good race.

“I like the horse.”