Australia: Frankie's My Dad should get firmer footing for handicap

A heavy turf course may have affected the chances of the filly Frankie’s My Dad in a turf marathon at Hawkesbury Racecourse in Australia on Nov. 9.

Frankie’s My Dad was 16-1 and finished fourth of six, losing by four lengths.

Conditions are expected to be firmer, and more favorable, for Frankie’s My Dad in a handicap at 1 7/16 miles at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday evening. The official going was good as of Friday.

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Frankie’s My Dad won a handicap at 1 7/16 miles at Newcastle on good turf in early March. The win led to consecutive starts in Group 1 races without success – an 11th in the Vinery Stud Stakes at 1 1/4 miles later in March, and an eighth in the ATC Oaks at 1 1/2 miles in April.

Frankie’s My Dad, a winner of 2 of 9 starts, was rested after the ATC Oaks. In three subsequent starts since early October, she has finished eighth, ninth and fourth. In the Nov. 9 race, Frankie’s My Dad was beaten by Celestial Fury, who won for the second time in his last five starts.

In this weekend’s race, Frankie’s My Dad is part of a field of eight that includes two highly-rated rivals in Domingo and Supertrial. One of them is likely to be a slight favorite. Frankie’s My Dad was the 7-2 third choice in early betting on Friday.

Domingo, winless in his last seven starts, was second in the Nov. 9 race, and will start at 1 7/16 miles for the first time this weekend. Domingo, who runs from off the pace, has won at 1 1/4 miles and at 5/16 miles.

Supertrial won a maiden race at 7 1/2 furlongs at Muswellbrook in September and has since finished third, fourth and second at distances ranging from a mile to 1 3/8 miles. He is quick enough to set the pace, but also effective as a stalker.

Newcastle has a seven-race program beginning at 10:01 p.m. Eastern or 7:01 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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