Australia: Murwillumbah Cup an important race for Battleton

Chances are dwindling for the Australian gelding Battleton to gain a berth in the $1.9 million Big Dance Stakes at a mile at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on Nov. 7.

Horses gain consideration for berths in the Big Dance Stakes with top two finishes in a series of qualifying races in the preceding year. Battleton was a troubled fifth in the Coffs Harbour Cup at a mile at Coffs Harbour Racecourse on Aug. 4, one of the qualifying races, but has another chance to gain a berth in the Murwillumbah Cup at 7 3/4 furlongs at Murwillumbah Racecourse on Thursday evening.

A top two finish in the Murwillumbah Cup would put Battleton among the finalists for the Big Dance. The final field of 20 is determined by handicap rating. A win in the Murwillumbah Cup would enhance Battleton’s rating.

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The Big Dance was worth $1.27 million for its first running in 2022 and will have a larger purse this year.

The Murwillumbah Cup drew a full field of 14. Typical of an Australian handicap at a mile, there is likely to be little separating the field through the final quarter-mile.

Battleton had an eventful journey at Coffs Harbour, racing behind runners in early stretch before making progress on the inside. Battleton closed steadily but ran out of ground in the final strides.

Ben Looker had the mount that day, but has been replaced by Michael Cahill. Looker is not booked to ride at Murwillumbah.

Battleton’s main rivals will be expected favorite Wategos and Kinloch.

Wategos, who will be part of the pace, won consecutive starts in sprints at six furlongs and 6 3/4 furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on July 22 and Aug. 5. Wategos won his last start at 7 3/4 furlongs on the infield Kensington course at Randwick on Feb. 15.

Kinloch, winless in 13 starts since March 2022, is a closer who was second by a nose in a seven-furlong handicap at Eagle Farm on July 29 in his most recent start.

Murwillumbah has an eight-race program beginning at 10:35 p.m. Eastern or 7:35 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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