Trots Centre: Murphy hopes for Triple treat at Tabcorp Park

Dunnstown trainer/driver David Murphy knows a handy horse when he sees one and he’s got a bit of time for a lightly-raced four-year-old who he rates a big chance at tonight’s Tabcorp Park Melton meeting.

Triple Zed is knocking on the door for his second career victory after back-to-back runner-up placings at Maryborough and Charlton.

Both those runs have been tough performances up outside the leader, which are similar to his one and only win back in mid-October when he outstayed his rivals to score at in excess of $50.

Murphy said there appeared to be plenty of upside with the son of Four Starzzz Shark, who was never tried as a two-year-old.

“He’s always had a bit of a hitch in his gate so he’s taken a while to stregnthen up and handle himself at top speed,” Murphy said.

“He’s still not there yet, but there’s a hell of a lot of improvement in him. He has just turned four so he’s 12 months off being a real mature horse.

“He just gives the impression that he’s the sort of horse that’s a chance to go through his grades this year.”

Murphy said Triple Zed possessed a lot of gate speed but was susceptible to putting in a rough stride early, and planned to let him balance up from barrier four and then press forward to utilise his staying prowess.

“I’ll go on what he’s telling me,” Murphy said. “I have to kind of go 100m before I can push him a little bit – it’s just straight off the arm he can put in a wobbly stride.

“Once he’s balanced, I’ll be definitely going forward. I’ll either be in front or outside the leader and that’s the way he seems to go best. His last run was really, really good so he’s probably my best for the night.”

Murphy will take the reins on Triple Zed in The Big Screen Company Pace (1720m), which is race six on tonight’s card.

MURPHY ON HIS OTHER RUNNERS THIS EVENING

DNR Logistics Vicbred Pace: (R1 N7) IMAGE OF COURAGE (driven by Brent Murphy)
“He’s actually not going too bad. He’s drawing wide all the time and once again he has drawn wide. He’s taken a few runs to come up and from that draw it’s going to be difficult. Place best.”

Benstud Standardbreds Pace: (R5 N3) ATEGO SHADES (driven by Brent Murphy)
“He drops back in grade with his claim. The horse has had a terrific year. From a low rated horse, he won five races last season and is holding his form really good. It was a good second last start. He’s drawn to probably try and get across to the rail first and then has the option to hold the front or hand up to something else. At this stage I’d be keen to lead on him and he’s hard to get around. He’s in good order.”

IRT Australia Trot (R7 N1): MEET MICHAELANGELO (driven by David Murphy)
“He’s really struck form of late. He was in a lull for a long time, but he’s going terrific at the moment. His win at Terang was quite outstanding and he probably didn’t feel as sharp the week after – it was only a six-day turnaround – but still ran a good race to a horse in form. He’s up in grade, but he’s definitely a good place chance from the barrier draw.”

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