Australia: Ferago finds niche in marathon races, steps up in Geelong handicap

The Australian gelding Ferago was winless in 10 starts until he was tried at 1 1/2 miles for the first time at Geelong Racecourse near Melbourne on May 13.

The longer races have changed Ferago’s career. After beating maidens May 13, Ferago won a handicap at 1 1/2 miles at Geelong in his next start June 5. On Friday, Ferago is back at Geelong for another handicap at 1 1/2 miles, but this time against a slightly higher level of competition.

Trained by Patrick Ryan Jr., Ferago is likely to be favored in a full field of 14 in the sixth of eight races on a program that begins at 11 p.m. Eastern, or 8 p.m. Pacific, on Thursday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Ferago will be ridden by Jamie Mott, who was aboard the 5-year-old at Geelong on June 5. Ferago was third midway through that race and took the lead in the stretch, drawing away by 4 1/4 lengths at 4-1. Ferago was 7-2 in early betting Wednesday, a slight choice over Bazini (9-2) and Catskill Mountain (5-1).

Ferago’s tracking ability will make him dangerous in this race.

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Bazini is versatile. A winner of 2 of 7 starts, Bazini led throughout a handicap at 1 3/8 miles at Hamilton on May 31 as the 11-10 favorite to end a four-race losing streak.

Catskill Mountain, a 4-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding, has also won 2 of 7 starts. After winning a maiden race at 1 1/4 miles at Warrnambool last October, Catskill Mountain was given a rest for more than six months before winning his 2022 debut in a handicap at 1 1/4 miles at Kilmore on May 12, closing from well off the pace.

On May 29, Catskill Mountain closed with interest to be third by 1 1/2 lengths in a handicap at 1 1/4 miles at Ballarat. This will be Catskill Mountain’s first start at 1 1/2 miles.