Racing: Predatory Pricer in tough draw

Trainer Paul Murray believes the spacious Flemington circuit will suit his big-striding galloper Predatory Pricer but admits the barrier draw for the Makybe Diva Stakes today is not ideal.

The Street Cry 4-year-old drew barrier one in the 12-horse field for the group two 1600m feature, his first start at the track.

"I didn't really want one but you can't knock it back," Murray said.

"Being a big horse I'd have liked five or six where he could be one out off them and start rolling when he wants to."

"Steven [King] is a good jockey, he knows the horse and the track very well, so I'll leave it up to him.

"There's not that much speed in it, only Typhoon Tracy, but it depends whether she goes forward or tries to take a sit."

The half-brother to former champion sprinter Takeover Target is the $11 favourite with TAB Sportsbet for the Caulfield Cup on October 17 and despite not being happy with his weight (53.5kg), Murray hasn't definitely ruled out a start for the entire.

But the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley a week later is the race Murray says he is principally aiming him at.

"He's going from the Makybe Diva to the Underwood, the Turnbull and if we think he needs another one before the Cox Plate, the Yalumba," he said.

"We're 50-50. I don't think he will be [running in the Caulfield Cup] but we'll leave our options open."

Murray said Predatory Pricer's lead-up form would tell him which direction to take and he would also be guided by King's opinion.

The Kembla Grange trainer, who has been based at Ballarat with three of his team, did not dismiss his stable star contesting both the Caulfield Cup and the Cox Plate. "He's a horse that can back up in seven days," he said.

Predatory Pricer is second pick in Cox Plate betting at $10 behind Whobegotyou ($5.50).

He was not nominated for the Melbourne Cup.

- AAP