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By Ray Hickson

If trainer Matt Dunn had his time again he’d probably program Cranky Harry’s run at Friday’s $70,000 Riverview Hotel Murwillumbah Cup (1550m) a little differently but he says the gelding is spot on for his Big Dance audition.

The home town Cup has been in Dunn’s plans for the five-year-old, as the ideal pathway into the $3 million feature, from not long after he joined the stable but getting him to the race proved tricky.

Trainer Matthew Dunn (Pic: Bradley Photos)

After an easy all the way TAB Highway win on July 13, Dunn elected for a month's gap and he was just found wanting under 60.5kg over the mile when running fifth at the Sunshine Coast two weeks ago.

“I thought he peaked on his run, it was a month between runs and it was too much for him,’’ Dunn said.

“I really want to qualify him for the Big Dance and I was trying to time between his Sydney run and here and decided the best way to do it was to go four (weeks) and two (weeks).

“I probably should have gone three and three, but he’ll be right and that should have topped him off nicely.”

Cranky Harry, $2.40 with TAB on Thursday, is one of three from the Dunn stable in the Murwillumbah Cup alongside Crazy Train and Nishikori.

Dunn, who won the Cup in 2022 with Impasse, said despite his last start defeat he has no doubts about the horse running a strong mile should be make his way to Randwick on November 5.

“He’s still figuring things out a little bit, he’s still lightly raced and I think he’s a real improver,’’ he said.

“I’m sure he’s right at the mile, a few people the other day said it was too far for him but I think it’s his trip.

“I think there’ll be good speed, I don’t think he’ll lead but probably end up in the first four or five and get to the outside fence in the straight.”

The prospect of a heavy track brings Crazy Train into the race, according to Dunn, as she returns home from a close up fourth behind I Am Famous at Rosehill earlier this month.

He said although she has won at the mile, two years ago, she’s considered a small risk at the journey but isn’t ruling her out as a chance.

“Her run at Rosehill was good and she’s a very good wet tracker. She’s an absolute swimmer,’’ he said.

“The only question is whether 1550m is too far for her, probably anywhere else the answer might be yes but at home probably not.”

Nishikori brings a last start third from the Casino Cup into the race though Dunn feels the Murwillumbah Cup will be a fair bit stronger.

All the fields, form and replays for Friday's Murwillumbah Cup meeting