Get our Murwillumbah Cup Day best bets for Friday August 21, including key runners, form analysis and betting opportunities across the Murwillumbah meeting.
AMPLIFY (2) ran well at Eagle Farm last start, getting back in the field before making steady ground to finish third over 1815m, beaten 1.26 lengths.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare has been competing in stronger company than she meets here and should appreciate the drop back to non-metro grade.
She looks ready for the rise to 2000m and, along with Barazin, has a lot on her rivals from a class perspective.
Archie McColm’s claim is another positive and gives her every chance to make the most of this easier assignment.
| 2. Amplify (5) J: Archie Mccolm 59kg 95943T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Racing well recently. At the latest run came from midfield; 3rd of 10 in a Bm70 at Eagle Farm on August 8 over 1815m, 1.3 len behind Barbray carrying 58.5kg at $4.40. The start before that came home strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 9 in a Cl3-Sw at Eagle Farm on July 25 over 1805m, on a slow track; 2 len behind Hovland carrying 58kg at $7.50. Has ability and is one of the major players. | |||
WHY WAIT (11) made an impressive debut at Grafton, leading throughout over 1000m and winning by a neck after controlling the race from the front.
The Matt Dunn-trained filly has looked good in two recent trials and appears ready to fire fresh after a 22-week break.
She has the speed to cross from the wide draw and take up the lead again.
If she reproduces her debut effort, she should give this field plenty to chase.
| 11. Why Wait (8) J: Jake Bayliss 55.5kg 1xT: Matthew Dunn | |||
| Resuming after a break; only one run when won by a long-neck at Grafton on March 15 over 1000m defeating Weownachevy carrying 55.5kg at $5.50. Expecting her to hit the ground running this campaign. | |||
ROCK EMPIRE (4) surprised at long odds when winning at Randwick last start, getting back in the field before charging home to score by a lip over 1600m.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding drops to a non-metro level for the Murwillumbah Cup, with the short price suggesting the easier assignment has been recognised by punters.
He has won third-up previously over a similar distance and looks ready to peak again.
With Ryan Maloney aboard, he shapes as one of the main chances.
| 4. Rock Empire (8) J: Ryan Maloney 57.5kg 42×61T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 6th of 12 in a Bm88 at Rosehill on July 4 over 1200m, on a slow track; 4 len behind Dark Glitter with 57.5kg at $41. Second run from a spell ran on from midfield and won by a nose at Randwick on July 25 over 1600m on a rain affected track defeating Narbold carrying 57.5kg at $17. Has further upside and looks hard to beat again. | |||
TILL DUSK (3) resumes after a 20-week break and makes her debut for Chris & Corey Munce, with the blinkers going on for the first time.
The mare has placed in stronger races, including a second over 1800m at the Sunshine Coast last preparation.
She has trialled solidly at Doomben and should be ready to run well fresh despite dropping back in distance.
Drawn to get a great run, she can make an impact for her new stable.
| 3. Till Dusk (6) J: Ryan Maloney 59kg 2232xT: Chris & Corey Munce | |||
| Mare back from a spell of five months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation second of 14 at Sunshine Coast Cl1 March 29 over 1800m, soft track; 0.6 len behind Tap High with 58kg at $4.40. Previously first up; second of 9 at Doomben Cl1 January 29 over 1200m, 2 len behind Time Of My Life with 57kg at $15. Blinkers go on and looks set for a solid return. | |||