The 19-year-old moved from the Central Districts to Canterbury in March for a fresh start in the apprentice ranks and the decision has paid off handsomely.
In just two months, he has collected six wins to add to his eight races won since he first reined home a winner at Trentham in April last year - and two of last year's wins came at Blenheim.
Murray is glad he has made the move which he said was for various reasons.
''It was a bit of a few things but [more rides] was the main thing,'' he said.
''It just all worked out that they were running tomorrow.''
Murray's one outside ride Missteeflying (race 11) gets in nicely in a rating 75 2100m, especially after beating all but Dalwhinnie at Riccarton on May 2.
Murray believes the Perfectly Ready mare could have gained her third career win if it was not for some mid-race pressure.
''She just got attacked too early by another runner at the 600m otherwise I think she would have held on,'' he said.
While the 5yr-old is rated only at 65, her Riccarton run showed she can take on the higher-rated horses over ground and it is unlikely she will be sent out as a $26 win hope the way she was at Riccarton.
''I was quite surprised actually [by the price], because she tries really hard at every start.''
Murray's first six rides are for the Stokes partnership, and Gunnadoo (race 3) looms as an honest hope in the rating 85 1200m.
His last run, with Chris Johnson in the saddle, produced a third at Blenheim and Murray was aboard two days earlier when he ran second to Pacific Choice.
''He went really good again,'' Murray said.
''He just hung off the corner and got run down but he'll give a sight. He should lead.''
Murray's best ride of the day, Maia's Angel, is in the following race, and the inside barrier should suit the Thorn Park filly perfectly.
''She's drawn 2, so she should get a soft sit behind Snow Line and come off them at the top of the straight,'' he said.
''She's in career-best form.''
Jigger Inn (race 1) and Iona Castle (race 2) have come from opposite ends of the country to join up with the Stokes stable.
Jigger Inn was with Nigel Tiley at Pukekohe earlier this year before making her South Island debut with a second at Oamaru last month.
Castle spent time at Riverton with Stephen Blair-Edie before arriving at Waikuku last month.
She won a six-horse trial at Rangiora last Thursday.
''She won the trial impressively and it's first up for us so I think it's pretty bang on.''
Jigger Inn is another one that should be in the first three.
''Murray's only concern with Jigger Inn is the barrier draw of 13 over 1200m.
''It could be [a problem] because he's probably a better miler than a sprinter.''
Murray would like to add another 16 wins over the winter to get his claim down to 2kg.
In the meantime, his 3kg claim should come in handy as the tracks get heavier and trainers look for weight relief on energy-sapping surfaces.
