From his career debut with a fourth-place finish in a five-furlong stakes in May 2020, Better Kick has been held in high regard by Australian trainer Steve Richards. So far, the gelding’s potential has not been realized, with one win in five starts. Better Kick, unraced since late November, starts in a five-furlong handicap at Bendigo Racecourse, north of Melbourne, on Sunday. Better Kick will be favored in a full field of 14, and should be well suited to the conditions. Better Kick was second in a maiden race at Bendigo in his third start last October and later won a maiden race at tiny Wangaratta Racecourse at about 5 3/4 furlongs last November. :: Get free past performances, analysis, and picks for Australian racing Better Kick was ninth in a seven-furlong handicap at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne on Nov. 25, his final start. Better Kick typically races near the front, but was toward the back of the field throughout the race at Sandown. Luke Currie, who was aboard for the runner-up finish at Bendigo, has the mount on Sunday. Better Kick drew the inside post and should be prominent from the start. Realeza has drawn post 4, which should suit the 4-year-old gelding’s stalking style. Realeza, a winner of 3 of 7 starts, was 10th of 11 in a six-furlong handicap at Sandown on May 23 against a better field. In April, Realeza won a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Geelong Racecourse and followed two weeks later with a second by 2 1/4 lengths in a six-furlong handicap at Warrnambool Racecourse. This handicap will be a quick class test for Crimosa, who won his debut in a maiden race at five furlongs at Echuca Racecourse on May 29. Crimosa disputed the pace throughout and won by a neck. The nine-race Bendigo program begins at 9:40 p.m., Eastern, or 6:40 p.m., Pacific, on Saturday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.