Alma’s Fury turned out to be a Sydney weight-for-age giant-killer in early 2013 but Paul Murray has more modest end-of-year goals for his best horse.
The six-year-old is returning to the racetrack for a preparation aimed at going one place better in this year’s Villiers Stakes before he is given the chance to defend his Bernborough Handicap crown in Brisbane.
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His latest campaign comes after his spring was cut short following a midfield placing in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle in September.
“The Group Ones and the Group Twos are just a bit strong for him,” Murray said.
“He’s probably a really good Group Three horse, Listed to Group Three, which we’ve said all along.”
Alma’s Fury returned a peak career rating with his surprise Apollo win over Tougher Than Ever and Danleigh.
The six-year-old is an $11 chance in the Cellarbrations Wadalba Handicap (1350m), an assessment that Murray finds hard to argue against.
“He’s coming along well although he’s still a bit fat for Saturday but he has to have a run to get his fitness up.”
Alma’s Fury will have his campaign timed for the Villiers Stakes to be his third run back after he was beaten a nose by All Legal in last year’s race.
Fellow Villiers aspirant Malavio is the $5.50 favourite to return to Sydney racing on a winning note after running unplaced in the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley.