Australia: Golly I'm Lucky in top form for Kembla Grange handicap
Golly I’m Lucky has had a perfect comeback in Australia in the last month, going unbeaten in two six-furlong handicaps after a layoff since December.
A 5-year-old Australian-bred gelding, Golly I’m Lucky has won 5 of 18 starts; the recent wins are the first time he has won consecutive races.
There is strong potential for a third straight win in a six-furlong handicap Thursday at Kembla Grange. Golly I’m Lucky, trained at Kembla Grange by Theresa Bateup, is the joint topweight at 132 pounds with Baracus and Esteem Spirit in a field of 11.
Golly I’m Lucky is considered the more likely winner of those three, but most contend with capable runners such as Joy and Mirth (125.6 pounds), Reiby’s Regent (131), and Terra Reign (124.5 pounds).
Golly I’m Lucky will be ridden for the first time by Andrew Adkins. Apprentice jockey Brock Ryan, who was aboard for the recent wins, is serving a suspension through July 30 for a recent riding infraction.
Adkins, who was aboard a winner Tuesday at Wyong, is expected to have Golly I’m Lucky well off the early pace from post 11.
:: Get free past performances, analysis, and picks for Australian racing
Joy and Mirth, a 4-year-old filly, won her debut at Kembla Grange in a six-furlong handicap June 13, but was last of nine in a handicap for fillies and mares July 8 at Warwick Farm. A winner of 3 of 12 starts, Joy and Mirth will have a slight drop in class Thursday. She races from off the pace, too.
Baracus, unraced since mid-March, is expected to set the pace. A 3-year-old gelding, Baracus has won 3 of 11 starts, including his lone appearance at Kembla Grange in a one-mile handicap March 3.
Reiby’s Regent will be near the front and could prove difficult to catch in the final furlong. Reiby’s Regent won a handicap at 6 3/4 furlongs May 14 at Wyong and was second in his next two starts, both at Newcastle – missing by a nose on May 26 and by 1 1/4 lengths on July 4.
First post time at Kembla Grange is 11:05 p.m. Eastern, or 8:05 p.m. Pacific, on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.