Australia: Dillian tries again for first win in Australia
A winner at 1 1/4 miles as a 2-year-old, Dillian has had a career geared toward stamina.
The foundation in longer races can result in a first career win in Australia in a handicap at 1 3/16 miles at Canterbury Park on Tuesday evening.
Dillian was winless in four starts in stakes at distances ranging from 1 1/4 miles to 1 15/16 miles in Britain and France in 2021 and 2022.
In his Australian debut, the 4-year-old Dillian closed from last of 11 to finish sixth in a one-mile handicap at Warwick Farm Racecourse on May 17 in his first start since late November.
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Dillian was beaten slightly more than three lengths by the four-time winner Anythink Goes.
At Canterbury, Dillian rates as a leading contender in a field of 12 that includes two other prominent imports.
Asgoodassobergets, a 4-year-old French-bred gelding, will have his fourth start in Australia. Asgoodassobergets was second in the Golden Gates Stakes at 1 1/4 miles at Royal Ascot in Britain last June.
Asgoodassobergets won a handicap at 7 3/4 furlongs at Canterbury Park in his first start of the year and was fourth of 12 by three lengths after a wide trip in a lucrative handicap at 1 1/4 miles at Flemington Racecourse on June 3. Similar to Dillian, Asgoodassobergets will be a factor from off the pace.
The New-Zealand-bred Okataina will be the runner to catch. He won a maiden race at a mile at Kembla Grange in his eighth start on May 27 and followed with a fourth in a handicap at 1 1/8 miles at Rosehill Gardens on June 3, setting the pace before losing by two lengths. Okataina will be tested at the distance, but could easily be in the first three if he does not face significant early pressure.
Canterbury Park has a seven-race program beginning at 10:50 p.m. Eastern or 7:50 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.
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