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By Mark Brassel

Murwillumbah trainer Matt Dunn believes he has the talented Cranky Harry in perfect shape for his assault on Friday’s $150,000 Moonee Beach Hotel Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m).

Cranky Harry has now had four runs from a six-month break and is building nicely for the Cup; a qualifying event for the $3m Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November.

“He’s a big horse and generally needs two or three runs to find his groove,” Dunn said.

Cranky Harry (Nash Rawiller) coasts to the line at Royal Randwick. Image by Bradley Photographers

At his third run back, Cranky Harry was trapped three-wide and tired when well back in the Tatt’s Mile at Eagle Farm.

Last start the gelding fought on strongly, only conceding in the last 50m when runner-up to Tuff Tu Mus, a promising galloper who has recorded six wins and two seconds from just eight outings.

“Friday’s Cup looks a nice option for him. He’s really looking great and will be spot on for Coffs Harbour.”

After a couple of stable changes earlier on, the Matt Dunn stable has had Cranky Harry for 13 starts resulting in three wins and three placings.

Last July the five-year-old landed a big win in a Royal Randwick Highway when eased down to score by more than three lengths under Nash Rawiller.

Cranky Harry took out the Murwillumbah Cup two runs later before unplaced in the 2024 Big Dance won by Gringotts.

Dunn will also send former Kiwi, Itza Charmdeel down for the Coffs Cup but the gelding’s lack of form has the stable perplexed. The four-year-old has had three runs under the Dunn banner but is yet to register a placing.

“We’ve been trying different things with the horse like swimming and mixing up his routine to stimulate him,” Dunn explained.

“He keeps over-racing and has it all upside down – he always wants to go fast when he should be going slow and then goes slow when we want him to pick up at the finish.

“He has talent but is a hard horse to work out and ride.”

Itza Charmdeel won a Stakes race in New Zealand (Otaki) as a two-year-old when he flew home on a heavy track but has won just the single race (Te Rapa, NZ) in 10 starts since.

“He doesn’t go on top of the ground so we have targeted rain-affected tracks, and he should get that at Coffs.”

Dunn also has Lord of Flames entered for the $40,000 Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1400m) at Coffs. The colt has just had one start when an eye-catching fifth at Grafton (1175m) during the Cup Carnival.

“He’s a slow learner and things don’t seem to come easy for him, but I have a lot of time for him,” Dunn admitted.

“He was the strongest finisher at Grafton, and it should turn out a strong form race. I think he may turn out a decent horse and the step up to 1400m will be much more suitable.”

For just the third time in its history the Coffs Harbour Cup will be held on a Friday – and on horses’ birthday 1st August.

“We will present an eight-race TAB program with a prominent on-track screen, conveniently located bars, and mouthwatering food options courtesy of the talented ‘Spare Chef’,” said Tim Saladine, Coffs Harbour Race Club’s manager.

“The day promises excitement and fun with fashions taking centre stage as attendees dress to impress, competing in the hotly contested Fashions on the Field event with multiple entry categories and substantial prizes.

“We’ll have variety of hospitality packages available and there’s an option to suit every racegoer’s preference.

“Patrons can wine and dine in the Coffs Cup Spare Chef Luncheon, be in a Corporate Marquee, soak up the atmosphere in the 4 Pines Racing Retreat, enjoy the laid-back vibe of the Toormina Palms Lawn Party precinct, or mingle in general admission with the lively crowds.

“There’s an experience tailored just for everybody and please note tickets are online only.”

It’s a Racing NSW Country Showcase meeting with $450,000 in prizemoney and an additional $100,000 Inglis Xtra Bonus Series cheque to the winner of the $50,000 Super Maiden (1000m) should the galloper be an Inglis graduate and paid up for the Inglis Race Series.

Meanwhile, next Sunday is Forbes Cup Day with the winner of the $50,000 Cup (1600m) also becoming eligible for the Big Dance.

A Forbes Cup Calcutta will be held at Club Forbes on Saturday evening commencing at 6pm.

UPCOMING NSW COUNTRY RACE MEETINGS
Monday: Port Macquarie
Tuesday: Wagga, Wellington
Thursday: Scone
Friday: Coffs Harbour
Saturday: Tuncurry-Forster, Cobar picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Forbes