Next NSW Race

Latest News

Murray Chooses Moruya Over Home Track Option (Sunday)

By Graeme White

Trainer Paul Murray originally only had to take Espirito across the road for his return to racing, but instead has gone with what he believes is the better option at Moruya on Sunday.

The lightly raced four-year-old with only five starts to his name was due to race at his home track of Kembla Grange on Saturday, but will wait another 24 hours for Moruya.

The gelding has won twice and finished second on as many occasions with his only blemish being a last start sixth at Goulburn in May.

Espirito finished second at his first two starts when he was still learning and needed some race fitness and then showed what he is capable of with consecutive victories at Wagga and Kembla Grange on heavy tracks.

The son of former top class galloper Bel Espirit doesn’t "have it" when it comes to the good legs department, according to his trainer.

“He is a lovely type of horse, but doesn’t have the best legs you have seen on a horse,” he said.

Espirito, which is raced by Murray Livestock, wasn’t extended when second in a trial at Moruya behind Belieber.

“Belieber was in the same race as him at Kembla Grange plus a couple of handy ones so Moruya was the best option,” he said.

“He is ready to race again after only a brief break.”

The promising Platara is also resuming for trainer Mark Gee and won his only start at Moruya which was the middle leg of three straight victories.

Platara won three straight races before finishing second at his final start prior to a break at Albury in February.

The gelding trailed strongly when third behind Belieber and Ten Bells at Goulburn on July 8.

Debut winner Artieos steps up in grade after her strong maiden victory at Moruya on August 2, while Belle O’Ballee was successful at the same meeting in a Benchmark 58.

Mack’s Doubt is one of three last start winners in the race and is also having his first start since April.

Emma’s Gift will also return to racing for leading trainer Keith Dryden and has bene successful at Moruya previously and has also won twice from four first-up attempts.

Murray’s other main contender is recent Grafton winner Lady Redwood in the Benchmark 58 (2000m).

The mare broke through for her maiden victory in July and ran third at her next start at Kembla Grange.

“She has had two starts over 2000 metres and been placed both times. It looks a nice race for her, but there are a few chances,” he suggested.

The feature race at the Club's sponsored meeting is the South Coast Clubs Cup (1425m).

Nowra Cup winner She’s All In returns to racing with apprentice jockey Teaghan Martin reducing the well performed mare’s weight to 58kg.

She’s All In is qualified for the $2 million The Big Dance at Randwick in November along with stablemate One Aye.

Bega Cup winner Room Number is also qualified for The Big Dance, but unfortunately has gone amiss.

All Formidable steps ups in grade for the feature race after winning her past two starts for Dryden and jockey Damon Budler.

The surface at Moruya is rated as a heavy eight for the seven-race program.

The Latest Racing News

Kia Tancred Stakes - A Runner-By-Runner Guide

By Ray Hickson An in-depth look at the chances of every runner in Saturday's Group 1 $1.5 million Kia Tancred ...
Read More

Murwillumbah Races Saturday (30th March) - Postponed

Racing NSW Stewards have conducted an inspection of Murwillumbah Racetrack after 85mls of rain was received during the last seven ...
Read More

Marquand Hoping Orchestral Meets Her Match In Zardozi

By Ray Hickson Tom Marquand has been part of some of the most exciting two horse wars in Sydney over ...
Read More

Locals Vying For Berth In $1m Randwick Final (Wyong, Saturday)

By Frances O'Shea The lure of substantial prizemoney combined with a home track advantage, has Wyong trainers Kim Waugh, Allan ...
Read More

O'Shea Has Linebacker Poised For Post Slipper Rush

By Ray Hickson Trainer John O’Shea is confident his patience with promising two-year-old Linebacker is going to pay off during ...
Read More
Loading...
Racing NSW Apps
View
Mobile Version
Contact
Forms
Information
Industry Links