Murray Bridge Gold Cup – 2022

Track: Soft   Weather: Cloudy

Following the early scratching of Age Of Chivalry, 17 runners remain for the $107,250 Murray  Bridge Cup. There are 11 geldings and six mares, with 6 five-year-olds, 5 six-year-olds, 3 seven-year-olds, an eight-year-old and 2 nine-year-olds. Three runners are sired by Good Journey and two by Sebring. Trainers Michael Hickmott and Will Clarken both have two runners.

Eight of the runners had their last start in a 1400m BM 86 Handicap at Morphettville Parks on 1st October, three in the Listed Balaklava Cup over 1600m on 14th September, two in a 1550m BM 68 at Morphettville Parks on 1st October and two in a 1600m BM 68 Handicap at Morphettville on 8th October.

The early favourite is Lord Vladivostok who finished 3rd in this race last year. Second favourite is Yuri Royale who has won 3 of his last 4 starts. Third favourite is Agreeable who flew home from 15th for 1.3 lengths 5th in the Balaklava Cup.

Oh Mo finished 3rd in the Balaklava Cup. Zoulah was narrowly beaten when heavily backed last start at Morphettville Parks. Perfect Route won at long odds last start at Morphettville Parks beating many others in this field. Montign finished 0.7 lengths 7th in that race, and Unlaced came 4th in the Balaklava Cup. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Age Of Chivalry (18)  – SCRATCHED

2. Lord Vladivostok (12)

Finished 3rd in this race last year. He resumed after a long 44 week spell to run last of 9 over 1300m at Morphettville Parks on 10 September, then improved sharply second-up for 0.2 lengths 5th over 1400m on 1 October behind Perfect Route. Has won 2 of 3 third-up starts and is a winning chance.

3. Farooq (6)

He resumes from a 17 week spell and won a Penola trial on 9 October. Has won at this track before and could show up.

4. Agreeable (5)

Finished 2.8 lengths 7th in the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes over 1400m on 28 August, then flew home from 15th for 1.3 lengths 5th in the Balaklava Cup on 14 September. Commands respect.

5. Zoulah (11)

Hit the line strongly for 2nd in the Balaklava Cup, then was narrowly beaten when heavily backed last start over 1400m at Morphettville Parks, behind Perfect Route. Wouldn’t surprise to see her in the finish.

6. Montign (4)

Finished 0.7 lengths 7th behind Perfect Route at Morphettville Parks. Before then had won 5 consecutive starts. Has won at this track and wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

7. Oh Mo (9)

Finished 3rd in the Balaklava Cup after 3rd in the Leon Macdonald Stakes. A very honest runner who is never far away. Expecting him to go well.

8. Unlaced (13)

Came 4th in the Balaklava Cup. Has great form at this distance and has won at this track before. Wouldn’t surprise to see him place.

9. Sebonna (10)

Never came into it when resuming last start at Morphettville Parks. Looks tested.

10. Splash Some Cash (2)

Faded to finish 11th last start at Morphettville Parks when resuming but has won second-up on two occasions. Prefer others.

11. Wings Of Pastrami (14)

Has placed at her last two runs over 1300m then 1400m. Hasn’t won beyond 1400m but is racing well and could surprise.

12. Yuri Royale (1)

He has won 3 of his last 4 starts and goes well at Murray Bridge. Has the inside barrier and is one of the main chances.

13. Moscow Red (15)

On a six day back-up and has two wins and two places from her last four starts. This is her best distance and she is a place chance.

14. Perfect Route (3)

Kept kicking gamely for a dead-heat win over 1400m at Morphettville Parks last start, beating many others in this race. Will be fitter now, but not sure the 1600m suits.

15. Perfect World (17)

Victorian runner who ran 3rd at Sale last start. Has barrier 17. Rough place chance.

16. France’s Boy (16)

Ran 2nd when favourite last start at Morphettville. Has had no luck in 7 previous runs at Murray Bridge and has drawn barrier 16 here. Rough place chance.

17. Morty (7)

Finished strongly to run 1.3 lengths 4th behind Yuri Royale at Morphettville Parks when first up. That was a good run and could show up.

18. Crown Mint (8)

Has got off to a poor start this campaign. Looking to others.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips
2 Lord Vladivostok
7 Oh Mo
4 Agreeable
12 Yuri Royale

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Agreeable
2nd	2 Lord Vladivostok	0.1 length
3rd	13 Moscow Red	1.9 lengths
4th	6 Montign	2.3 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 1. Age Of Chivalry, 18. Crown Mint.