Latest News

Goulburn’s Emma Murphy sponsors a race on her home track on Monday, The Emma Murphy Racing Benchmark 58 Handicap over a mile and as luck would have it, she looks to have a galloper more than capable of ‘Ruffing up’ the opposition as well.

Emma has Ruff ($2 favourite on TAB) entered in her sponsored event and the tablelands trainer says the son of Denman is in the right frame of mind to deliver a strong performance after a brave effort off a wide gate at Royal Randwick last start.

“Ruff has been racing very consistently in TAB Highway grade of late,” she enthused.

Ruff (Jean Van Overmeire; royal blue) scores at Goulburn. Image by Bradley Photographers

Emma also more than happy she’s found a local race to give him a crack at. The last time that happened was Goulburn Cup Day in late August, with connections going home all smiles.

“He has the home track advantage on Monday and loves racing over the mile.”

She referenced it could also be a case of right jockey - right horse: “Nick (Heywood) knows him well having had a few rides on him already.”

Emma also sends two other gallopers the short stroll along Racecourse Road on Monday, rounding out a three-pronged set of acceptors.

Great Week ($16) tackles Race 3 The Electel Services Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1400m after what his trainer said was a ‘better than it looked’ hit out first-up.

“Actually thought he was fantastic first-up. Just had to do too much work with the horse sitting outside him but he was brave and has come through the hit out well.”

His trainer says the quick turn round into Monday is more a case of schedule choice at present.

“It’s the most suitable race around for him even though I wouldn't usually race so soon first to second-up.”

The race doubles as a Heat of the Rising Star series with apprentice Rebecca Bronett Pragg looking to pile more magic onto some other smart results of late.

It Is To Be ($23) rounds out Murphy’s three runners on the day. The trainer expecting to see something more tractable in Race 6 The REC Equine Specialists Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (1200m).

“He should be more competitive in country only grade He just needed the run first-up and is still putting it all together as a racehorse.”

John Kissick takes the ride and has been winning on the proverbial broomstick of late.

Goulburn’s track is currently rated a Heavy 8 with Race 1 today timed to go at 1.10pm.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Goulburn here