Track: Good 4 Weather:

Following the early scratching of Second To Nun, a field of 14 runners remain for the 2024 Carlton Draught Murray Bridge Gold Cup with 9 geldings and 5 mares. There are five 5YOs, six 6YOs and three 7YOs. Four runners had their last start in the Hahn Handicap over 1550m at Morphettville Parks on 28th September (won by Test The Law),three in the Listed Balaklava Cup over 1600m at Balaklava on 11th September (won by Air Assault) and two in a BM 78 Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 21st September (won by Favourite Child), while the rest all came through different races. Two runners are sired by I Am Invincible. Michael Hickmott has 4 runners.

The betting is fairly open and the early favourite is Thirsty Guest who resumed from a 6 month spell for 3rd to Aviatress over 1250m at Morphettville Parks on 21st September. Second favourite is Dubai Poet who was a close runner-up in the Balaklava Cup. Third favourite is Favourite Child who was a last-start winner in a BM 78 Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 21st September. Maracourt won 2 in a row  before missing the start and charging home for 5th in the Balaklava Cup, while Test The Law won the Hahn Handicap last start.The rest of the runners are currently $12 or more.

1. Second To Nun (9)

SCRATCHED

2. Jack The Lad (15)

Won this race last year. Resumed from a 16 week spell with a win over 1200m at Morphettville on 31st August, then was 2.7 lengths 4th in the Hahn Handicap. Not the worst.

3. Test The Law (14)

Last start winner of the Hahn Handicap over 1550m at Morphettville Parks on 28th September after coming from last. Has drawn very wide but could surprise.

4. Favourite Child (6)

Was a last-start winner in a BM 78 Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 21st September. She’s won 6 of her 16 starts and has 2 wins at Murray Bridge. Strong claims.

5. Dubai Poet (7)

One of 4 runners trained by Michael Hickmott (the others are Alpine Flyer, Riverplate and Maracourt). He was a close runner-up in the Balaklava Cup over 1600m at Balaklava on 11th September. In the mix.

6. Alpine Flyer (1)

A 2 length winner at the Parks circuit on a heavy track on 17th Auust, then finished 6th in the Balaklava Cup. Place chance.

7. Danish Fortune (10)

Has placed 3 times at the track but prefer others.

8. Riverplate (4)

Finished 12th in the Balaklava Cup then improved to run 3rd in the Hahn Handicap. Could place.

9. Thirsty Guest (3)

Resumed from a 6 month spell for 3rd to Aviatress over 1250m at Morphettville Parks on 21st September. Has won at Murray Bridge before and goes very well second-up. One of the key chances.

10. Brave Star (5)

Has placed at his last 2 starts. Rough place chance.

11. Maracourt (11)

Won 2 in a row  before missing the start and charging home for 5th in the Balaklava Cup. One of the chances.

12. Our Empress Zoe (2)

Victorian mare who was a close 3rd over 1630m at Flemington last start. Could surprise.

13. Let Fly (8)

Resumed for a half length 2nd at Benalla and likes this distance. Not out of it.

14. Written In Code (13)

Has been very consistent this campaign without winning. Place chance.

15. Aitch D’amico (12)

Looking elsewhere.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Favourite Child
9 Thirsty Guest
11 Maracourt
5 Dubai Poet

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Maracourt
2nd	5 Dubai Poet	0.6 length
3rd	6 Alpine Flyer	1.9 lengths
4th	2 Jack The Lad	2.6 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings: 1. Second To Nun, 14 Written In Code, 15. Aitch D’amico