Australia: Dangers finds softer spot in Swan Hill handicap

Dangers, the Australian 4-year-old gelding, is unlucky not to have two or three wins in his 11-race career.

Dangers was beaten a head in consecutive handicaps at Sale Racecourse in July and August and was sixth after a wide trip at the same venue in a one-mile handicap on Sept. 11.

Trained by Shea Eden, Dangers is being sent to a new venue for his next start, a handicap at a mile against a slightly easier field at Swan Hill Racecourse on Sunday evening across American time zones.

Swan Hill has an eight-race program beginning at 11:30 p.m. Eastern, or 8:30 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Dangers was favored at 3-2 in early betting Saturday over Bannerton at 5-2 and Mr French at 7-1.

Dangers was beaten slightly more than 3 1/2 lengths at Sale on Sept. 11. Taking his customary role at the back of the field, Dangers was the 5-2 favorite and closed on the outside to make some progress in the final furlong.

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A slight drop in the handicap division may help Dangers end an eight-race losing streak since a maiden race at seven furlongs at Sale last October.

A closing style often leaves Dangers vulnerable to a wide trip or an early pace that is not quick enough to aid a late run. At Swan Hill, Dangers will need a runner such as Oak Bridge to set a quick tempo.

Bannerton, a winner of 3 of 26 starts, also can race near the front. Bannerton won a handicap at 1 1/4 miles at Mildura Racecourse in July as the 3-2 favorite and has finished second in his last two starts.

Oddly, Bannerton is winless in seven career starts at Swan Hill, where the 5-year-old gelding is based with trainer Austin Coffey. In that span of seven races, Bannerton has been second or third five times, including a one-mile handicap against a slightly tougher field than this on Sept. 9.