MURRAY COX HANDICAP
Looks a bit of a race in two and just slightly leaning to SKIPPERS CANYON (7) over MR BLUNT (11). They both come through a BM74 over this trip which Mr Blunt won well, sitting wide with cover and getting a nice swooping ride to come away and score by 2.25 lengths. Skippers Canyon was only second up and was a bit tight for room as Mr Blunt surged away but closed off nicely late and now meets him 3kg better off, also gaining the services of Craig Williams. At the prices, we'll go with Skippers Canyon to turn the tables. OPENING ADDRESS (5) made nice improvement second up at Bendigo, just finding one better under 62kg. Up in trip suits and he'll take some catching. WEALDSTONE (10) ran well fresh in the same race and is in the mix with added fitness while VILLASAURUS (2) was good in the Wagga Cup last time and that should have him thereabouts.
Recent form sound. At the latest run 4th of 11 at Morphettville Parks Bm82 on April 18 over 1950m, 0.9 len behind Sir Kingsford with 60.5kg at $16. The run before that 2nd in a small field at Penola Penola Cup Bm78 on April 5 over 1600m, 1.0 len behind Van Roy carrying 62.5kg at $6. Drawn well and has minor claims.
Recent form sound. Last start took up a position near the tail 2nd of 14 at Wagga in the LR Wagga Cup on May 1 over 2000m, 1.0 len behind Bianco Vilano carrying 54kg at $21. The run before that 2nd of 14 at Wagga Murrumcup Bm86 on April 19 over 1800m, head behind Cosmic Lad with 59.5kg at $4.40. Going well and can be poking through late.
Most recently tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 12 at Warrnambool Hcp on May 5 over 1700m, on a wet track; 1.75 len behind Ocean Beyond carrying 55.5kg at $7.50. The run before that 4th of 9 at Mornington Bm84 on April 18 over 1600m, 2.25 len behind Wonder Boy with 58.5kg at $9. Has had plenty of chances and needs to improve.
Second-up. First-up after seven months got back early 5th of 10 at Seymour Bm78 on April 26 over 1600m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Lario with 60kg at $6.50. Previously second-up 5th of 13 at this track Bm84 on March 1 2025 over 1600m, 3 len behind Verdad with 58kg at $7.50. Rough hope.
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 9 at Mornington Bm84 on April 18 over 1600m, 3 len behind Wonder Boy with 57kg at $5.50. Second-up held ground to the line 2nd of 14 at Bendigo Bm74 on May 2 over 1600m, 0.5 len behind Seafall with 62kg at $9. Peaks now and can give a sight.
Comes here off a 57-day let-up. At the latest run second last of 14 at Albury in the LR Albury Cup on March 20 over 2000m, on a slow track; 9 len behind Bianco Vilano carrying 55kg at $26. Before that 5th of 8 at Yarra Valley Y Vly Cup on March 15 over 1950m, 3 len behind Wymark carrying 54.5kg at $3.90. Could sneak into the first four.
Third-up today. First-up 4th of 11 at Caulfield Bm84 on April 4 over 1400m, 2 len behind Merrigold with 56.5kg at $9.50. Second-up made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 14 at this track Bm74 on April 25 over 1800m, 2.5 len behind Mr Blunt carrying 61.5kg at $11. Drops in weight and peaks now, huge chance.
At the latest run 10th of 14 at Bendigo Bm74 on May 2 over 1600m, 5.5 len behind Seafall carrying 60.5kg at $31. The start before that second last of 9 at Mornington Bm84 on April 18 over 1600m, 3 len behind Wonder Boy with 57kg at $26. Can't have.
Last start 10th of 12 at Bendigo Bm74 on May 2 over 2200m, 5.5 len behind House Of Lords with 59.5kg at $19. The start before that came home strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 10 at Caulfield Bm74 on April 11 over 2000m, 1.2 len behind Bring Forth with 58.5kg at $19. Risking.
Second run back. First-up after four months 3rd of 14 at Bendigo Bm74 on May 2 over 1600m, 1.2 len behind Seafall carrying 60.5kg at $61. Previously second-up won by 1.0 len at Pakenham Synthetic Bm58 June 23 over 2200m defeating West Indies with 60kg at $12. Fitter and has claims.
Racing well recently. Last start came from midfield and won by 2.25 len at this track Bm74 April 25 over 1800m defeating Cavalry with 56.5kg at $16. The start before that sat on speed throughout when 2nd of 8 at Ballarat Cl3 on April 3 over 1400m, 0.8 len behind Rohesia carrying 58.5kg at $4.80. Dominant last time and is well placed again.
Most recently favourite; won by 0.8 len at Morphettville Bm70 May 2 over 1800m on a rain affected track defeating Joviale carrying 58.5kg at $6. The run before that held ground to the line 2nd of 11 at Gawler Bm62 on April 24 over 1500m, 1.75 len behind In That Mode with 62kg at $10. Harder now, inclined to risk.
Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 13 at Geelong Bm62 on April 22 over 1525m, 1.75 len behind Move The Torana carrying 61.5kg at $14. Previously second-up 4th of 10 at Geelong Bm70 on October 23 over 1700m, slow going 3.5 len behind Sigiriya Rock with 57.5kg at $12. Can't have.