COVID KILLS LEGEND’S DREAM BATHURST RETURN
GREG Murphy has been ruled out of the Bathurst 1000, after the V8 legend’s Mount Panorama comeback was killed by Covid-19.
In a blow for Supercars fans, Murphy withdrew from what would have been his return to racing after he failed to secure a quarantine concession.
Based in New Zealand, both Murphy and co-driver Richie Stanaway were unable to receive a guarantee that they would be able to return home following the December 5 race.
“I can’t explain how frustrating it has been, not being able to put our plan into action,” Murphy said.
“I know it’s not the most important thing in the world, and Covid has impacted so many people in far more serious ways, but Richie and I were really looking forward to doing this, and the effort that has gone into the prep of the car and behind the scenes has been enormous.”
Murphy and Stanaway were locked in to race in a Boost Mobilesponsored wildcard entry, but failed to secure a quarantine spot that would have allowed them to travel to Australia and back.
“We have played by the same rules as every other person trying to get a spot in MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine), and most have better reasons than we do for getting a spot and that is the way it is,” Murphy said.
“It’s a lottery and our numbers haven’t come up. Boost Mobile Racing has been remarkable throughout.
“Peter (Adderton’s) vision and the investment in this idea, the car and everything that goes into entering a car in Bathurst is significant.
“I hope that we can repay the faith and the support of racing fans by looking ahead to 2022.”
Murphy, a four-time Bathurst winner, has not raced at Mount Panorama since 2014, when he partnered James Courtney in a HRT Commodore.
Funded by Boost Mobile, Murphy was set to strap down in an Erebus Motorsport-built and prepared Commodore. Erebus boss Barry Ryan revealed that Murphy may race at Bathurst in 2022.
“I want to thank everyone that has stayed committed to this project right until the very end,” Ryan said.
“It is not over, though, we will call it postponed as we look forward to options in 2022.
“Everyone has put in such a tremendous effort and we are extremely disappointed that with all the work and preparation from both Boost Mobile and our team that we haven’t been able to see this come to fruition.
“We should all be proud of our efforts
to get this so close to happening, and I look forward to seeing us pull it off in 2022.
“I hope for a less Covid-affected season next year and seeing all fans, both from Australia and New Zealand, able to come and support us at Bathurst.”
RACE 6 CASCADE HANDICAP
(1050M)
Palaisipan ($4.40) is probably the best horse going forward here after a terrific debut campaign, including a tough win at Ipswich against a strong field. Only blemish was stepping up to 1600m right at the end of that prep. Recent trial in a hot heat (won by Shooting For Gold) was excellent. The query is that was on a Soft track, which leaves a query on her on Heavy ground. Lyrical Girl ($2.50) had been below her best, but bounced back on the quick back-up here last start, posting fast time. She Can Sing ($3.70) has trialled well and seems likely to handle the going. Gets a sweet run off the draw. Black Magnum ($9.50) had trialled well before failing at Eagle Farm and can improve.
SELECTIONS:
6 Lyrical Girl, 8 Palaisipan, 9 She Can Sing, 3 Black Magnum
RACE 7 TAB VENUE MODE HCP (1200M)
Think Kingscote ($11) can give a big sight here. He kicked strongly at Eagle Farm, but was just found out the last 100m. Back to Doomben and striking a wet track, he’s well suited here. Just continues to put in every run at the moment. Gave Us All ($9.50) is unproven on heavy ground and was safely held first up at the Coast in it, but that was only 1100m, so not being too harsh on him. Think he’s improved since then and going off the lovely effort at Eagle Farm, he’s well placed off the good draw. The Big Goodbye ($4.60) is yet to run a bad race in Queensland and will have no issues with the wet ground.
SELECTIONS:
4 Kingscote, 13 Gave Us Up, 2 The Big Goodbye
RACE 8 KEITH NOUD QUALITY (1200M)
Deep race. The Harrovian ($3.90) is the benchmark, having been close up in the Doomben 10,000 behind Eduardo over this course and he did win easily the last time he struck a Heavy track. He can win without surprising, but have just leant to Tambo’s Mate ($5) with the residual fitness. Big win here over 1050m last time and drawn to get a gun run in his preferred conditions. Simply Fly ($5) has been solid in two runs back. Now takes on (much) better opposition, but the fitness edge, combined with his wet track credentials, brings him in with a good hope. Niccanova ($10) is the knockout, as he was first up last prep in the Victory. No worries wet and flies fresh.
SELECTIONS:
4 Tambo’s Mate, 2 The Harrovian, 12 Simply Fly, 1 Niccanova
RACE 9 GALLOPERS SPORTS CLUB HCP
(1350M) Morethannumberone ($2.20) has had two goes on Heavy tracks for two minor placings. There is little doubt he’s a far superior horse now, so the going shouldn’t be an issue. What it does do is negate his brilliant turn of foot, which none of the others here can match. So if it becomes more of a slog, that gives others a hope, but given he handles the ground and that he looks better than them, very happy being in his corner. Thought Academy ($8) is second pick. Has raced very consistently in the support races through the Sydney spring and the run behind Quantico reads very well now given that horse’s win in Cup week. The Jack Duncan pair of Dzsenifer ($5) and Indispensable ($7) next best.
SELECTIONS:
12 Morethannumberone, 5 Academy