Australia: Classic Deel tests stamina in handicap at Gosford

Classic Deel was eight races into her career in Australia when she was tried at 1 1/4 miles for the first time in a maiden race on Dec. 26. She won on Dec. 26 then won a handicap at 1 5/16 miles at Tuncurry Racecourse on Jan. 14.

Classic Deel’s ability at a distance will be tested when she starts in a handicap at 1 5/8 miles for the first time at Gosford Racecourse on Tuesday evening.

She is not alone. The other seven runners are also starting at 1 5/8 miles for the first time.

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The handicap is the first of seven races at Gosford on a program that begins at 9:55 p.m. Eastern or 6:55 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

In her first eight starts, at distances ranging from 6 1/4 furlongs to 1 3/16 miles, Classic Deel managed to finish second once. Classic Deel rallied from off the pace to win on Dec. 26 and from a tracking position on Jan. 14.

Trained by Kris Lees, Classic Deel faces a field led by Celestial Fury, the 2-1 favorite in early betting on Monday morning. Classic Deel was 7-2, the same price as Private Detective and a slightly higher price than Chappelli at 5-2.

Celestial Fury is a closer who was second by 1 1/4 lengths in a handicap at 1 5/16 miles at Wyong Racecourse on Jan. 7.

Private Detective won a handicap at 1 5/16 miles at Orange Racecourse on Dec. 30, and was fifth by 2 1/4 lengths in a handicap at 1 1/2 miles at Kembla Grange on Jan. 14, rallying from well off the pace.

Chappelli set the pace in the same race as Private Detective at Kembla Grange and finished third, beaten 1 1/4 lengths in the longest start of his career. This field does not have a confirmed frontrunner, which could leave Chappelli on the lead again.

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