Australia: Barry's Lane in good form for Monday handicap

Barry’s Lane is a 7-year-old gelding based in Australia who has won 5 of 39 starts since his career began in late 2020.

Barry’s Lane won for the first time in 2021 and twice last year.

The last seven weeks have been different.

Barry’s Lane has won two of his last three starts, the best span of his career, and has an excellent chance to win again in a handicap at about 6 1/2 furlongs at Muswellbrook on Monday evening.

Trained by Joseph Burges, Barry’s Lane’s recent wins have been at 6 1/2 furlongs at Newcastle on July 25, and 7 1/4 furlongs at Kempsey on Aug. 28. The win at Newcastle on July 25 ended a 10-race losing streak since a handicap at 7 1/4 furlongs at Muswellbrook last October.

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In between the two recent wins, Barry’s Lane finished fifth in a handicap on heavy turf on the infield Beaumont course at Newcastle on Aug. 14. Barry’s Lane has not finished in the top three in seven career starts on heavy turf.

The going is expected to be good at Muswellbrook for the seven-race Monday evening card, which begins at 11:35 p.m. Eastern, or 8:35 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Barry’s Lane drew post 4 in a field of 12.

The closer Press Lightly is likely to be favored on the basis of a good second in a handicap at about six furlongs at Grafton on Aug. 22 in his first start since March and his sixth career start. Press Lightly won his fourth start in a six-furlong maiden race at Port Macquarie on Feb. 27.

Pyramid of Fire will be well supported on the basis of a win in a six-furlong handicap at Mudgee on Sept. 3, his second victory in 17 starts. Pyramid of Fire, who has been second five times, runs from off the pace.

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