Stayers' Watch: Jim Murray Memorial Handicap · 12.05.08
Coming into Saturday’s $250,000 Jim Murray Memorial Handicap (grade IIT, 3&up, 12f, at Hollywood Park), On the Acorn looked like a horse on the decline. He had finished third, sixth, and fourth in his past three races following an extended lay-off, running lower speed figures each time. The 7-year-old gelding’s recent form was a far cry from last year, when he won four out of five races in a row, culminating in the 2007 Jim Murray.
By contrast, Boule d’Or looked to be on the ascendant, having won the San Luis Rey Handicap with a 107 BSF, after a maiden win and a 99 BSF. Champs Elysees also looked good after running three consecutive 100+ BSFs and finishing a strong third in the Santa Anita Handicap, after running well in Europe. Sudan looked like a toss, and Church Service was ultimately scratched, leaving a four-horse field.
Well, that just goes to show what I know. On The Acorn successfully defended his Jim Murray title, closing strongly to catch Champs Elysees deep in the stretch and win by a nose.
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