Australia: Delexo seeks to build on debut win in handicap at Gosford Racecourse
Delexo lived up to pre-race hype when the Australian 3-year-old won his debut in a five-furlong maiden race at Wyong Racecourse on Jan. 21 by more than 2 3/4 lengths.
For his second start, Delexo will be sent to nearby Gosford Racecourse for an appearance in a five-furlong handicap against seven rivals. Once again, Delexo figures to be favored, though probably not as short as the 6-5 price in his maiden win at Wyong.
Trained by Kristen Buchanan, Delexo will be ridden by Ashley Morgan, who rode the gelding at Wyong and once in a schooling race from the gate, or barrier trial, in early January. Delexo closed from third in a field of eight at Wyong, and that patient style should be an asset at Gosford.
:: Get free past performances, analysis, and picks for Australian racing
At Gosford, Delexo does have notable rivals in Close to Me and Star Magnum, who have fine credentials.
Close to Me has not started since a third-place finish in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Hawkesbury Racecourse on Sept. 24, her first start since a maiden race win at five furlongs at Goulburn Racecourse on Sept. 11.
An Australian-bred 3-year-old filly, Close to Me has been ambitiously campaigned in the past, having finished 10th of 14 as a maiden in the $690,000 Golden Gift for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs at Rosehill Gardens in November 2019. The Golden Gift has a hefty purse but is not a listed or group-level stakes.
The September races are the best performances of her six-race career.
Star Magnum could be poised for an excellent performance. A 3-year-old colt, Star Magnum won his debut in a five-furlong maiden race at Hawkesbury Racecourse in September and did not start again until Jan. 15, when he finished fourth by three lengths in a handicap at 4 1/2 furlongs at Gosford. The additional distance in this race should be a better fit.
The Gosford program begins at 9:15 p.m. Eastern, or 6:15 p.m. Pacific, on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.