Australia; Flashing Steel goes for third consecutive victory

Flashing Steel has shown a consistent style in handicap races in Australia in recent months. More often than not, the three-time winner is part of the pace.

The tactic worked in a handicap for males at 7 3/4 furlongs at Canterbury Park in Sydney on May 24, and can be effective again in a race against open company at the same distance at Canterbury on Tuesday evening.

Flashing Steel, who was favored at 3-2 in early betting on Monday, has won his last two starts, beginning with a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Kembla Grange on May 6. Flashing Steel raced just behind the pace in that race and won by 1 1/4 lengths.

:: Get free past performances, analysis, and picks for Australian racing

For Tuesday’s race at Canterbury, Flashing Steel faces eight males and two fillies and mares.

James McDonald, who leads Australian jockeys in earnings this season, rides Flashing Steel, another indication that the 3-year-old gelding will have massive support.

Cinque Torri, second to Flashing Steel on May 24, is part of the field and another threat from a tactical position. A 4-year-old gelding, Cinque Torri has won 5 of 22 starts, but is winless in six starts since October.

Money From The Sky, a winner of 3 of 14 starts, can play a factor from off the pace. Money From The Sky closed from last of eight to win a lucrative handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on April 29, but was fifth in a field of 11 in a handicap at Rosehill Gardens of May 20 in his first start for trainer Sara Ryan.

Money From The Sky broke slowly and trailed the field early. He closed well despite a significant early deficit, losing by 3 1/3 lengths.

Canterbury Park has a seven-race program beginning at 10:40 p.m. Eastern or 7:40 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.