Australia: Course lover Star of O’reilly a contender in Newmarket Handicap

Star of O’reilly, a 5-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding, was 22 races into his career before he had his first start at Mackay Racecourse in northeast Australia in April.

The venue has essentially changed his career. Star of O’reilly is unbeaten in four starts at Mackay, all in sprints in minor handicaps ranging in distances from 5 1/2 furlongs to 6 1/2 furlongs.

Friday, Star of O’reilly takes a jump in class to a tougher handicap level in the Newmarket Handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Mackay. Star of O’reilly has every chance to play a meaningful role as a closer in a field of 12.

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Star of O’reilly is trained by Trinity Bannon, who is based at Mackay. Bannon has a strong team for the race, including the 5-year-old gelding Brad, who beat Star of O’reilly in a six-furlong handicap at Townsville on June 12. The two met again in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Mackay on July 3 with Star of O’reilly closing from last of 10 to win by a nose under jockey Chris Whiteley.

In Friday’s race, Whiteley will be replaced by Nathan Day. Whiteley was booked to ride Master Jamie in the Newmarket Handicap, but the mount was scratched.

The Newmarket Handicap drew a competitive field. Star of O’reilly was 7-1 in early betting on Wednesday, while Brad was 7-2. Last Chance and Bold Style were the 3-1 joint favorites, a slight choice over Brad and Right or Wrong, also at 7-2.

The Mackay program begins at 10:37 p.m., Eastern, or 7:37 p.m., Pacific, on Thursday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Star of O’reilly has won five of his last six starts, beginning with a win in a five-furlong handicap at Townsville on April 15 in his first start of the year.

Last Chance has won five of his last six starts, a streak interrupted by a second to Brad in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Mackay on May 29. Last Chance has subsequently won two handicaps, at six furlongs and 6 1/2 furlongs, at Rockhampton.

Bold Style gets class relief from a recent fourth-place finish by 2 1/2 lengths in a tougher handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Eagle Farm Racecourse in nearby Brisbane on June 5, but is winless in his last five starts.