Two horses trained by Pat Murphy, It Is To Be and Cool As Popeye, are set to return to form when they compete at Goulburn on Monday, despite uncharacteristic performances in their most recent races.

It Is To Be, a stayer, was beaten by nearly 15 lengths in a 2400-meter Benchmark 78 event at Kensington, Sydney, finishing well behind the winner, Pinhole. The gelding, who carries the bloodline of noted New Zealand thoroughbreds including Tupelo Honey and Domino, is now stepping down in class to the GG Engineering Benchmark 58 Handicap over 2145 meters. Ridden by Shaun Guymer for the 14th time, the duo have previously secured two wins and four placings together. Their last victory came at Nowra on May 24 over 2200 meters on a heavy track.

Murphy described the horse’s current condition positively, highlighting a strong preparation and the advantage of competing in a more suitable race grade. “He was out of grade the other day but it was just sort of where we had to place him, so to get back into a 58 with Shauny on is good for us and good for the horse. I think it is an ideal race for him,” Murphy said.

Cool As Popeye, a three-year-old filly, will make her first appearance of the 2026 season after a break following a disappointing performance at Wagga on December 9. She enters the Goulburn Australia Class 1 Handicap over 1200 meters with jockey Amy McLucas aboard, who recently rode her successfully in a jumpout at home. Murphy noted that the filly still has some development ahead and has shown promise during training, despite inconsistent race performances.

“Her jumpout was really good. Amy McLucas rode her in it and was full of praise. She shows more at home than in some of her races, where she hasn’t had an excuse. So we gave her a nice break just to start again, and this prep has gone to plan really well,” Murphy said.

Cool As Popeye has raced six times across various venues including Wagga, Canberra, Queanbeyan, Goulburn, and Wellington, with a record of one win, one last, three sixths, and an eighth placing. She is from the first crop of Newhaven Park Stud’s Cool Aza Beel, a son of Savabeel known for victories in the Karaka Millions and the Diamond Stakes. The pedigree references prominent horses such as Daryl’s Joy, Vice Regal, and Mr Tiz, illustrating a rich lineage that Murphy hopes will translate into improved racing results.

Monday’s Goulburn meeting offers both It Is To Be and Cool As Popeye an opportunity to rebound after recent setbacks, with their trainer optimistic about their chances under current preparations.