| What | Muswellbrook Cup Day |
| Where | Muswellbrook Race Club – Skellatar Park, 15 Racecourse Rd, Muswellbrook NSW 2333 |
| When | Friday, March 31, 2023 |
| First Race | 1:25pm AEDT |
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Visit Ladbrokes |
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We head to Muswellbrook Race Club on Friday afternoon as Big Dance qualification continues with the 2023 Muswellbrook Gold Cup. There is $150,000 in prizemoney on offer, and a free ticket into The Big Dance on the first Tuesday of November. We’ve got a total of eight races on the bill, and the track should be in peak condition with the rail in the true position the entire circuit. Weather watch looks good as well, with only minor rain forecast leading into Friday, meaning an upgrading Soft surface is expected. The first race is scheduled to get underway at 1:25pm AEDT.
Muswellbrook Gold Cup: Hosier
The Muswellbrook Cup has chances all over the page; however, we’re confident Hosier can return a winner on Friday afternoon. He actually started favourite in last year’s edition of The Big Dance on November 1 and ran last on that occasion. There were clear excuses as to why, as he drew the carpark and didn’t appreciate the firm surface on offer. You look at his form on anything worse than a Good 4 and his stats jump off the page. Eight starts for seven wins and another minor placing to his name is a clear indicator he needs the sting out of the ground to produce his best, which is exactly what he should get heading into Friday. He’s had two barrier trials since getting back into work for trainer Kris Lees and has looked phenomenal in both, hard held, going to the wire under his own steam. This son of Camelot knows only one way and that’s to lead his rivals and kick turning for home. We think he will and prove best in the Muswellbrook Cup.
Muswellbrook Gold Cup
Race 7 – 
#4 Hosier (1)
6yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Dylan Gibbons (58kg)
Bet with Bet365
Best Bet at Muswellbrook: Thorpe
It’s been a lengthy 334-day spell since the last time we saw Thorpe in race-day conditions, but we think he’s a terrific bet on resumption on Friday at Muswellbrook. He’s had just the one start in Queensland at Beaudesert on April 30 and turned wide off the course before claiming victory in the shadows of the post. It was a dominant win all things considering, and the race has seen multiple winners since. He’s been put away for a long time by the Annabel Neasham yard and his appearance after a terrific barrier trial at Rosehill behind stakes winner Dajraan has caught our attention. Simply put, this son of Fastnet Rock looks much better than BM58 company and despite the wide barrier, Rachel King should only need to keep Thorpe out of trouble to secure his second career win.
Best Bet
Race 3 – 
#6 Thorpe (10)
3yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Rachel King (59kg)
Bet with Neds
Next Best at Muswellbrook: Empress Zou
Empress Zou is a four-year-old mare looking for three wins on the trot and finds another capable task in the opener at Muswellbrook. We loved the way she powered over the top of her rivals last time out at Coffs Harbour to secure the 0.65-length win. She steps up in trip now and with her get back style of racing, the 1450m comes at the perfect time of the preparation. Jockey Aaron Bullock is going to have his hands full from barrier 10; however, she’ll be getting back regardless and be near the tail of the field turning for home. If she shows her electric best turn-of-foot late, we’re confident Empress Zou will look the winner at some stage.
Next Best
Race 1 – 
#3 Empress Zou (10)
4yo Mare | T: Paul Shailer | J: Aaron Bullock (57.5kg)
Bet with Palmerbet
Friday quaddie tips for Muswellbrook Cup Day 2023
Muswellbrook quadrella selections
Friday, March 31, 2023
- 1-4-8-12-13
- 1-2-5-6
- 2-4-13
- 1-2-3-8-11
Investment: $300 for 100%
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