Racing: Darci Be Good tested on firmer track

Last year's winner Counter Punch won on a track half a meter deep in mud. Photo / File

Trainer Bede Murray is hoping top Victorian jockey Luke Nolen proves to be a good judge when it comes to 3-year-old Darci Be Good.

Nolen was aboard when the colt won the Fernhill Handicap (1600m) on a heavy track at Randwick in the autumn and told Murray he didn't believe his charge was simply a wet-tracker.

"Luke Nolen got off and said he thought he'd be better on a good track, so I hope he was right," Murray said.

Darci Be Good will return at Rosehill today in the Club Liverpool Hcp (1400m) with his five rivals headed by the promising King's Pact and Strike The Stars.

He isn't among entries for next month's Golden Rose but is in the mix for the Caulfield Guineas, although Murray is keen to get over today first.

"It's easy to get a wrap on them before they earn it," he said.

"We'll take it a race at a time but, hopefully, he can measure up to the top grade."

- AAP