Murray Bridge Gold Cup – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

A full field of 18 runners plus 4 emergencies have accepted for the 2023 Murray Bridge Cup with 19 geldings and 3 mares. There is one 4YO, six 5YOs, five 6YOs, six 7YOs and four 8YOs. Eight runners had their last start in the Listed Balaklava Cup over 1600m at Balaklava on 13th September and six in a BM 86 Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 23rd September, while the rest all came through different races. Two runners are sired by Tavistock and two by Fiorente. Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea have 3 runners and Richard & Chantelle Jolly have 2 runners.

The betting is fairly open and the early favourite is Lord Vladivostok who was runner-up in this race last year and was 3rd in 2021. Second favourite is Chicago Storm who has won 2 of 3 starts this campaign. Third favourite is Pudding who started favourite in the Balaklava Cup but finished 4 lengths back from the winner. Montign battled on well for 5th in the Balakava Cup, while Hopon Harry finished 3 lengthhs 9th in that race. En Francais finished 0.5 length 3rd behind Chicago Storm last start. The rest of the runners are currently $17 or more.

1. Not Usual Glorious (14)

This Fiorente gelding resumes from a 15 week break and won his latest trial at Strathalbyn. Has ability and should go well.

2. Lord Vladivostok (12)

Was runner-up in this race last year and ran 3rd in 2021. Resumed from a spell for a 3.8 length win over 1250m at Morphettville Parks on a soft track on 9th September and has won a trial since then. It might be a case of 3rd time lucky and he is one of the main chances.

3. Regalo Di Gaetano (17)

Won this race in 2021 and was 3rd in 2020. Resumed in the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes where he only beat one home, then was 13th in the Balaklava Cup. Looks tested.

4. Clever Man (10)

Resumed for 8th over 1400m at Morphettville Parks and usually needs a couple of runs to show his best.Prefer others.

5. Write Your Name (8)

Darwin Cup winner in August, 6th in the Balaklava Cup then 7th over 1600m behind Chicago Storm. Sneaky place chance.

6. Lyrical Lad (19)

Battled steadily to only beat one home when resuming at Sandown Hillside. Drawn wide and needs another run to show his best.

7. Montign (4)

Honest effort to finish 2.8 lengths 5th in the Leon Macdonald, then was 2.4 lengths 5th in the Balaklava Cup. Place chance.

8. Wild Chap (21)

Had been unplaced in nine runs this campaign before returning to a shorter trip and running 1.1 length 3rd in the Balaklava Cup. Not the worst.

9. Chicago Storm (15)

Very consistent galloper who has  6 wins and 8 places from his 16 starts. He has 2 wins from 3 starts this preparation and in-between the wins he was 2nd to Lord Vladivostok. The query is the distance as he is yet to win above 1400m, but it would be no surprise to see him in the finish.

10. Sebonna (1)

Stayer resuming and has drawn the rails. Can go well fresh but looking to others,.

11. Pudding (2)

One of 2 runners for Richard & Chantelle Jolly. Never came into it when 4 lengths 12th in the Balaklava Cup, but has won both previous starts at this track and distance. Nicely drawn and can make his presence felt.

12. Adelaide Ace (7)

Unsighted when resuming at Morphettville Parks and gets blinkers on for the first time. Prefer others.

13. Hopon Harry (3)

Was held up and lost position but nearly won over 1600m at Morphettville on 2nd September, then finished 3 lengths 9th in the Balaklava Cup. Looking elsewhere.

14. En Francais (22)

Chased well for 0.5 length 3rd over 1400m last start at Morphettville Parks when resuming. Unfortunately drawn in the widest barrier but comes to hand quickly and should run well.

15. Silent Surrente (11)

Ran 9th in the Leon Macdonald then 8th in the Balaklava Cup. Has won at Murray Bride before and could surprise.

16. Jack The Lad (6)

Narrowly beaten behind Regal Azmon over 1600m at Morphettville on 2 September then nearly ran down the all the way winner when 0.2 2nd in the Balaklava Cup. Expected him to be a shorter price and see him as a genuine contender

17. Excelman (20)

Change of trainer from Richard Laming to K McKerlie & W Hornhardt in August 2023. He’s had 2 starts since then where he finished 2.9 lengths 6th over 1550m at Morphettville Parks on 26 August, then was 2.8 lengths 7th in the Balaklava Cup. Unlikely.

18. Morty (16)

Resumed for 1.6 lengths 5th over 1400m on 23 September but his second-up figures are poor. Outsider.

19e. Splash Some Cash (13)

Has had 6 starts at the track for one win.Prefer others.

20e. Sixteen Reasons (9)

Won her last 2 starts over 1200m then 1400m. nly just held on last start and don’t think she will like the 1600m.

21e. Aitch D’amico (5)

Has had a good start to this campaign and is a place chance if he gets a start.

22e. Set To Prophet (18)

Last start winner at Morphettville but drawn very wide. Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Lord Vladivostok
16 Jack The Lad
11 Pudding
9 Chicago Storm

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	16 Jack The Lad
2nd	14 En Francais	1.1 lengths
3rd	2 Lord Vladivostok	1.2 lengths
4th	7 Montign	1.5 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 17. Excelman, 20e. Sixteen Reasons, 21e. Aitch D’Amico, 22e. Set To Prophet.