Australia: French War should have pace to chase in handicap

French War won his debut in a one-mile race last September, the shortest distance of his seven-race career in Australia.

A Kentucky-bred horse by Declaration of War, French War has excelled at extended distances in the last few months, leading to an intriguing test in a handicap at 1 5/16 miles at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne on Tuesday evening across American time zones.

Trained by the partnership of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr., French War won a handicap at about 1 3/8 miles at Sale Racecourse on May 10, but was ninth of 13 in a higher class handicap race at 1 3/8 miles at Sale on May 25.

French War did not race again until Aug. 3, when he finished third by 1 3/4 lengths in a handicap at 1 1/16 miles at Geelong Racecourse at a distance that may be shorter than his best trip.

At Sandown, French War is part of a full field of 16 led by Outback Jack and King Halston. With such a big field, French War should have a pace to follow that will help his closing style.

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Outback Jack has won 3 of 17 starts, but is winless in 11 starts since February 2021. During the losing streak, Outback Jack has been second three times, including a very encouraging performance when the 5-year-old gelding was beaten 1 3/4 lengths in a handicap at Sandown at 1 1/8 miles on Aug. 10.

Outback Jack closed from 12th of 14 to be closest to the front at the finish in his first start for trainer Lindsey Smith and the first time jockey Jamie Kah had the mount. Kah is back aboard Outback Jack at Sandown on Tuesday evening.

King Halston is winless in four starts since beating maidens in May. In his last three races since mid-June, King Halston has been second or third in handicaps at distances ranging from 1 1/16 miles to about 1 1/4 miles.

On July 30 at Moonee Valley Racecourse in Melbourne, King Halston was third by 1 1/4 lengths in a handicap at about 1 1/4 miles against a promising field. Race winner Shock ’Em Ova is unbeaten in two starts, while runner-up Storm King returned to win a handicap at Echuca Racecourse on Aug. 18.

Sandown has a seven-race program beginning at 11 p.m. Eastern, or 8 p.m. Pacific, on Tuesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.