Australia: Don't overthink it, Socrates can end losing streak at Gosford

No deep thoughts are required to determine that Socrates, the 6-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding, is overdue for his fifth career win in Australia.

Beaten a head in a one-mile handicap at Eagle Farm Racecourse on Aug. 12, Socrates can end an 11-race losing streak since September in a one-mile handicap at Gosford Racecourse on Wednesday evening if he can avoid a speed duel.

Trained by James Ponsonby, Socrates has had seven starts this year, with two second-place finishes as his best results. Socrates, who tends to race near the front, was beaten a half-length when second in a one-mile handicap at Warwick Farm in June.

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Both second-place finishes were against slightly tougher competition than Socrates will face at Gosford. Socrates is part of a field of nine in the fourth race on an eight-race program that begins at 10:35 p.m. Eastern or 7:35 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

As of early Tuesday, Socrates was the 5-2 second choice behind 2-1 Pure Hydrogen, who won a one-mile handicap at Kembla Grange on Aug. 12, his third win in 11 starts and second in his last four starts.

Pure Hydrogen will be a danger as a stalker at Gosford Racecourse.

Socrates could face early pressure from the well-regarded Sidereal, a 7-year-old British-bred gelding by Galileo who has won 2 of 17 starts.

Sidereal is capable of setting the pace. He won a one-mile handicap against a lower level of competition at Nowra Racecourse on July 23, but was third by 1 3/4 lengths in a handicap at 1 1/4 miles at Kembla Grange on Aug. 5, fading from contention in the final furlong.

The shorter trip at Gosford should suit Sidereal, but also could lead to a speed duel with Socrates that would aid the chances of Pure Hydrogen.

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