Australia: Don't overlook Kinloch in his second start after a layoff

Twice in his 21-race career, the Australian gelding Kinloch has won his second race following a layoff.

The scenario is present when Kinloch starts in a seven-furlong handicap at Hawkesbury Racecourse on Tuesday evening.

Kinloch was ninth of 16 in a stakes trial at Gosford Racecourse on March 16 in his first start since November. Kinloch closed from last to finish slightly more than 4 1/2 lengths behind favored Kayobi.

Trained by Kris Lees, Kinloch won a restricted stakes at seven furlongs worth $362,000 last April in his second race following a layoff, the most recent time the situation has occurred before this week’s race.

Kinloch will be among the favorites at Hawkesbury, notably due to the presence of the high-profile jockey James McDonald. Kinloch is part of a field of eight in the third race on a program that begins at 11:25 p.m. Eastern or 8:25 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

:: Get free past performances, analysis, and picks for Australian racing

The favorite may be Rogue Bear, a three-time winner in Great Britain in 2021 who will be making his Australian debut.

Rogue Bear has run well following a layoff in the past. In March 2022, the gelding finished third of 22 in the Lincoln Handicap at a straightaway mile after a poor start at Doncaster Racecourse. The Lincoln is the leading race on the opening weekend of the turf flat season in Britain, and one of that country’s most competitive handicap races each spring.

Rogue Bear has not raced since August. His three wins in 2021 occurred in races ranging in distances from six furlongs to 1 1/16 miles. Rogue Bear starts from the rail at Hawkesbury, which should not hamper his chances since he runs from off the pace.

Joao Moreira, the former leading rider in Hong Kong, has the mount on Rogue Bear. Moreira is riding briefly in Australia this spring.

The Hawkesbury race will be the first start of 2023 for the capable gelding Alcyone, a four-time winner in 19 starts for trainer James Cummings. Alcyone has not started since he finished sixth of 14 as the 3-1 second choice in the ATC Cup at 1 1/4 miles at Rosehill Gardens last November.

A drop in class and a shorter distance can work for Alcyone, who has won at 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 furlongs.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.