Australia: Ellmaknifico favored in mile handicap at Benalla

The Australian 3-year-old Ellmaknifico is at the start of what could be a fascinating career.

A gelding, Ellmaknifico won his debut at 5-2 in a seven-furlong maiden race at Bendigo on Feb. 23, closing from fifth to take a commanding lead in the final furlong. He won by 2 3/4 lengths.

Ellmaknifico will be an odds-on favorite to win his second start in a handicap at about a mile at Benalla Racecourse on Tuesday. Ellmaknifico is trained by David Eustace and Ciaron Maher, who have a high-profile training partnership throughout Australia.

Ellmaknifico, 4-5 in early betting Sunday, will start from post 4 and will be ridden for the first time by Michael Poy. John Allen had the mount at Bendigo, but is not riding the eight-race program at Benalla. First post time is 10:30 p.m. Eastern, or 7:30 p.m. Pacific, on Monday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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The stalking style Ellmaknifico used successfully in his debut may be an asset in this race. The outsider Just Harry is likely to set the pace, while several other notable starters tend to run from off the pace.

The handicap drew a field of 11 and lacks a clear second choice. Runners such as Haveyouzeena, Lovano, and Maxaway have run well in recent starts although they were beaten in their latest races.

Haveyouzeena won a maiden race in her third start at about a mile at Moe Racecourse on Feb. 14 and was fifth in her debut against winners in a one-mile handicap at Pakenham on March 4 as the 2-1 favorite, losing by 5 1/2 lengths.

Lovano has one win in 16 career starts and was third by about two lengths in a handicap at about seven furlongs at Werribee Racecourse on March 4, his fifth consecutive defeat.

Maxaway was eighth of nine in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Bendigo on March 2 in his first start in five months and his fourth career race. Maxaway won a six-furlong maiden race at Donald Racecourse last September in his second start, first in Australia and first race in more than 14 months. The gelding was second in his debut in New Zealand in June 2019.