The Damien Murphy Memorial Class 3 Handicap (1400 metres) has been named in honour of the Irish jockey who died on January 28, 2007 after a fall at Wellington on Australia Day that year.

Brian Buckley is the only Orange trainer with a runner in the memorial event, with Capello jumping from barrier five.

Stable foreman Craig Buckley said it would be special for Capello to be first past the post.

“It certainly would be an honour to win a race like that,” he said.

However, it won’t be an easy race for the gelding who is having its second start back after a 47-week spell.

“Last preparation he was a bit tentative on the softer tracks. Since then he’s bulked up and has grown up a bit in the head,” Craig explained.

“We’re not expecting huge things. The softer track probably won’t suit him 100 per cent, but I expect he’ll run well.”

One thing in Capello’s favour is he will be ridden by experienced jockey Nigel Seymour.

Seymour will also ride Buckley’s two other starters today.

In the second race of the day, the Kennards Hire Orange Maiden Plate (1400m), Hard Rock will jump from barrier nine.

“Hard Rock is probably our biggest chance,” Craig said.

“He ran really well last start at Bathurst. He finished 1.4 lengths behind the winner and was fifth, so he was there when the whips were cracking.”

Hard Rock’s fifth in Bathurst was on a good track over 1100m.

Craig said it would be interesting to see how the four-year-old handles the rise in distance today.

Brian Buckley’s other chance, Gorgeous Babe, will have its first start in the Mid West Mini Mix 3YO Maiden Plate (1280m).

“Gorgeous Babe trialled at Bathurst and is basically on a learning curve. She’s still very green and immature,” Crag said.

“We probably expect more from her next preparation. I don’t think she’ll embarrass herself. She does have a bit of ability.”

Craig said the track was in good condition after Orange’s recent rain and was drying out well.

The first race at Friday’s TAB meeting at Towac Park will jump at 2.38pm.