TRY ‘N’ Run a Muck has brought home more silverware for Tamworth trainer Troy O’Neile by taking out the Glen Innes Cup on Saturday.
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The six-year-old’s victory was its second cup victory this month after it stormed home to claim the Inverell Cup on New Year’s Day.
A solid start helped set up Saturday’s win, with Try ‘N’ Run a Muck eventually holding on by two lengths from Jane Clement’s Desert Marshal and Peter Sinclair’s Free Billy in third.
It was a case of déjà vu for all three trainers, as Saturday’s trifecta was exactly the same as the Inverell Cup.
“We tried to keep the strategy pretty similar to what we used in Inverell,” O’Neile said.
“This time around we drew the widest barrier, as opposed to the inside barrier in Inverell, from there it was about getting into a good position early.
“He was good enough to do that and while I think every horse had their chance to win he was good enough when it mattered.”
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There was one big change for O’Neile during Saturday’s win, with Reece Jones assuming the riding responsibilities from Kyle Wilson-Taylor.
“Both of those guys have down a super job for us now,” O’Neile said.
“I think both were pretty on top of the plan and more importantly were able to execute, which is great.”
O’Neile said the “toughness” of his horse was the race’s deciding factor.
“At one point there it looked as though Desert Marshal would round him up on the straight,” he said.
“But, I think the heavier weight probably didn’t help him on that one.
“As for Try ‘N’ Run a Muck, well, I think he tends to really tough it out in those situations.
“When the chips are down and the race is there to be won, that’s when he does his best work I think.”
Saturday’s win continues a purple patch of form for O’Neile’s stable, which not only includes the Inverell Cup but also a recent maiden victory for Onemorechance at Tamworh.
“The stable is on fire at the moment,” O’Neile said.
“I guess it comes down to the right races for the right horses, but it has been a good few weeks.
“Hopefully we can keep that momentum rolling.”
O’Neile said Try ‘N’ Run a Muck would now set his sights on next month’s Walcha Cup.
“He will have a few weeks off now and get ready for Walcha,” he said.
“He won last year’s Walcha Cup and it would be great if he got home again.
“That’s really now our aim at this stage, back-to-back Walcha Cups.”
O’Neile said based on recent form he was confident in the six-year-old’s chances of going back-to-back.
“I really don't see why he can’t do it,” he said.
“Given his recent form I don’t see any reasons why he shouldn’t give it a good go.
“I think a short spell will do him some good and with any luck he should be feeling really fresh.
“Hopefully it all comes together and we can go back-to-back.”
- The Walcha Cup will be held on February 8.