Australia: French War can gain second victory in Tuesday handicap

The Kentucky-bred gelding French War had an attractive career debut in Australia last September, winning a maiden race at a mile.

Three starts later, French War has yet to record a second win, but has performed well enough of late to indicate such an achievement is imminent. On Tuesday, at Sale Racecourse, French War will be favored to win a handicap at 1 3/8 miles on turf.

French War has experience at the same course and distance. Sale is located east of Melbourne.

Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr., French War was fourth in a handicap at 1 3/8 miles at Sale on April 15, closing from 13th in a field of 14 to finish two lengths behind stablemate Thought Provoking, the 2-1 favorite.

The April 15 race was French War’s best result in three starts this year, and his first attempt at 1 3/8 miles.

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French War is out of Louve Royale, who won two stakes, including the 2006 Dowager Stakes at 1 1/2 miles at Keeneland in 2006 for owner Joseph Allen and trainer Patrick Biancone. Louve Royale has not produced anything that has matched her ability.

By Declaration of War, French War was purchased for $130,000 as a 2-year-old in-training at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales in 2020.

French War, who will be ridden for the first time by Daniel Moor, is part of a full field of 11. There are 13 entries, but two are on the also-eligible list.

If French War is unsuccessful, several other runners can win.

Trail Blazer was second in a handicap at 1 1/4 miles at Kilmore Racecourse on April 21 in his third start of the year. Trail Blazer raced near the front and was beaten a length as the 2-1 favorite, his fifth consecutive loss.

Ima Dozer and Allyrock were second and third in a handicap at about 1 1/2 miles at Moe Racecourse on April 25, both racing from off the pace. Ima Dozer has one win in 17 starts, while Allyrock has one win in eight starts. They can win at Sale with their best efforts, but may have difficulty holding off French War.

Sale has an eight-race program beginning at 11 p.m. Eastern, or 8 p.m. Pacific on Monday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.