Durnford back on home turf

UNFANCIED Durnford will be running in his own back yard when he contests the $120,000 Listed Lord Stakes at Mornington today.

Trainer Pat Carey is hopeful the five-year-old gelding can recapture his early 2013 form when he won at Caulfield, was placed second at Sandown and was runner-up in the $350,000 Listed Mornington Cup behind Tuscan Fire.

Since then things have gone pear- shaped for Durnford, being unplaced in his last seven races.

‘‘Really, he’s gone missing a little bit,’’ Carey said.

Durnford has freshened up since his seventh in the Listed Ballarat Cup on November 24 and Carey has taken a different tack in preparation.

‘‘His performance on Sunday will give an indication of how far he can go — maybe another Mornington Cup,’’ said Carey. ‘‘He works here, it’s home for him here.’’