Australia: Golden Button looks to improve second off a long layoff

The Australian gelding Golden Button finished a game second in his 2023 debut in a seven-furlong handicap on Aug. 25, leaving him well in contention for a second career win in a handicap at that distance at tiny Tuncurry Racecourse in Australia on Thursday evening.

Golden Button was beaten slightly less than a half-length at Tamworth on Aug. 25 in his first start since November. Lightly-raced for a 5-year-old, Golden Button will have his 11th start at Tuncurry and is expected to be a factor from off the pace under jockey Aaron Bullock.

Last October, Bullock rode Golden Button to a second-place finish by a nose in a maiden race at 7 1/2 furlongs at Port Macquarie Racecourse. Golden Button won a maiden race last November.

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Golden Button will carry topweight of 131 pounds against 13 rivals at Tuncurry in a race that lacks a clear favorite.

Golden Button, Spring Wellness, Typhoon Neta, and Mellencamp are four contenders.

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

Typhoon Neta won a maiden race at 6 1/4 furlongs at Taree in her 17th start on Aug. 18. A 5-year-old mare, Typhoon Neta will face winners for the first time at Tuncurry and will carry a light weight of 118 pounds.

Mellencamp was third in the same race as Golden Button at Tamworth on Aug. 25, beaten slightly more than a half-length in his seventh consecutive defeat. Mellencamp, who tends to run near the front, drew the outside post at Tuncurry but should have sufficient speed to save some ground.

Spring Wellness will be helped by a fast pace. Winless in his last five starts, Spring Wellness was beaten a half-length in a one-mile handicap at Taree on Aug 18, closing from fourth through the stretch.

A slightly shorter race may benefit Spring Wellness who fought for the lead in the final furlong at Taree.

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