Australia: Extra distance should be no problem for Condrieu

The 5-year-old Australian mare Condrieu had a late start to her career, finishing third in her debut in September.

A win in her second start, a maiden race at seven furlongs at Goulburn Racecourse on Feb. 5, was widely expected. Condrieu was the 3-5 favorite.

The victory has led to a new distance for Condrieu in a one-mile handicap at Wyong Racecourse on Monday evening.

Condrieu, trained by John O’Shea, should handle the extra furlong. At Goulburn, Condrieu rallied from fifth in a field of seven to win by slightly more than a half-length.

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Condrieu is part of a field of eight in the first of eight races on a program that begins at 9:15 p.m. Eastern or 6:15 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Condrieu will be ridden by Reece Jones, who was aboard for the win at Goulburn. Condrieu starts from post 8, which may not be an issue considering her stalking style.

The race at Wyong is the 14th start for Street Candi, who beat maidens in a one-mile race at Wyong in her 12th start on Jan. 18 and was fifth of eight in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Newcastle on Feb. 4. Street Candi was beaten only 1 1/2 lengths after a wide rally.

Street Candi has raced near the front at times, and may inherit a pacesetting role at Wyong in a race that otherwise does not have a clear front-runner.

The New Zealand-bred filly Silvakia is a threat from off the pace in her sixth start. She won a maiden race in her debut in July, but has lost her last four races against winners.

Silvakia was a good second in a one-mile handicap at Goulburn on Feb. 5, closing from sixth to lose by slightly less than a length in her debut at the distance.

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