A Sound Journey on cards

By Paul Pickering
A BERWICK-based syndicate is eyeing Group 1 glory in the Emirates Stakes next week after Sound Journey’s win at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Marisa Syndicate manager Brendan Murray and local mates Jim Anastasiu, Scott Morrow and Roy Whatmough were among the owners who cheered the Mark Kavanagh-trained six-year-old home in the Group 2 Crystal Mile on Cox Plate day.
Murray, who spotted and bought Sound Journey from a property in Nar Nar Goon, described the last stride win over the Anthony Cummings-trained frontrunner Trader as one of the greatest thrills of his time in racing.
“It’s a real pleasure to have a horse run on one of these major days, but to win a race is phenomenal,” he said.
“(Sound Journey) won the last race of the carnival last year on Emirates day and that was a real hoot.”
Emirates Stakes day is now the target for Sound Journey again, but this time he’ll likely be contesting the $1 million Group 1 feature.
And, given the right conditions and favourable treatment from the handicapper, Murray reckons he’s not without a chance.
“I said to Mark (Kavanagh) the other day that if he gets good weather – a dead 4 or good 3 (track rating) and 56.5kg – he’ll be hard to beat (in the Crystal Mile), and he agreed,” Murray said.
“To be quite honest, he can’t carry 59 or 60kg, because he’s such a small horse.”
Murray has been passionate about horses for as long as he can remember, and now runs a breeding and agistment property at Bayles, named Serendipity Park.
The farm has been home to some handy types of late, including Rick Hore-Lacy’s Group 1 winning colt Toorak Toff.
Sound Journey’s win capped a dream weekend for Murray, whose emerging galloper, Favquaw, was named as Gippsland Horse of the Year on Friday night.