Brian Cox.
WODONGA trainer Brian Cox has ruled out backing up Minnie Downs in Friday’s Albury Gold Cup after a barnstorming victory in the $110,000 Gold Bracelet (1400m) at Bendigo on Saturday.
Cox nominated Minnie Downs for the $170,000 feature race but the mare looks poorly weighted on the minimum of 54 kilograms.
The Brett Cavanough-trained Niblick is the topweight with 57½ kilograms after the Mick Price-trained Callinish was declared a non-starter in the 2000-metre race.
Minnie Downs was given just one kilogram less than the Mick Kent-trained Domesky, who won a Ballarat Cup, was runner-up in the Warrnambool Cup and ran third in the group 3 JRA Cup.
Cox said Murdoch’s Joy would be his sole runner in the Listed Albury Cup as he chases his fourth win. He has won before with Lucky Enough (1999) and Ekalaka (2000 and 2002).
“Minnie Downs won’t be going around in the cup but Murdoch’s Joy will be a starter,” Cox said.
“Minnie Downs finally broke through on Saturday after racing consistently this preparation.
“She finally drew a decent alley and that was the difference.”
Ridden by Craig Newitt, Minnie Downs ($13) benefited from a solid tempo to come down the centre of the track to score by a length over $3.90 favourite Secret Liaison.
Minnie Downs had placings at Caulfield and Flemington in two of her past three starts.
Cox said he would again target a fillies and mares race in town with Minnie Downs.
He is also keen to head back to the city with stablemate Sumakaray who finished fourth at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Sumakaray is nominated for the $50,000 Flat Knacker on Albury Gold Cup day but will not be an acceptor.
Acceptances for all races at the carnival close at 9am tomorrow.