Australia: Father's Day seeks to extend streak in handicap at Warwick Farm

Considering his pedigree and where he started his career, there were high expectations for Father’s Day. He is finally fulfilling them.

Father’s Day won a maiden race in his sixth start on Aug. 26 and made a rapid turnaround to win a handicap at 1 1/4 miles at Hawkesbury Racecourse on Sept. 3.

Father’s Day is back in a handicap at about 1 5/16 miles at Warwick Farm Racecourse in Sydney on Tuesday, his third start in less than three weeks.

Father’s Day was the 5-2 favorite in early betting on Monday morning over Just a Jedi at 3-1.

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Father’s Day is by the late Irish stallion Galileo and is out of Fire Lily, a two-time Group 3 winner in Ireland. Father’s Day began his career with trainer Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, losing two starts before he was sent to Australia in late 2021.

Now trained by Bjorn Baker, Father’s Day is part of a field of 10 at Warwick Farm. Father’s Day was assigned 125.6 pounds, but the booking of apprentice jockey Dylan Gibbons reduces the assignment to 119 pounds, the minimum weight allowed in the race.

Father’s Day, who tends to run as a stalker, will start from post 2.

Just a Jedi, who will carry 130 pounds, is winless in three starts since returning from a four-month layoff in late July. Just a Jedi has been second in two of his last three starts, including a half-length loss when second in a one-mile handicap at Warwick Farm on Aug. 31.

Similar to Father’s Day and Just a Jedi, Dragon Dream can be a factor from off the pace. Listed at 6-1 on Monday, Dragon Dream takes a drop in class after finishing last of eight in the Wyong Cup at 90-1 on Sept. 2. He was second in a handicap at 1 5/16 miles at Gosford Racecourse on Aug. 26, losing by slightly less than a half-length.

Warwick Farm has a seven-race program beginning at 11:25 p.m. Eastern or 8:25 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.