Australia: Greek Hero favored in Nowra Cup
Since his arrival from Great Britain at this time last year, Greek Hero has one win in four starts in Australia, a promising start to the latest segment of his career.
Twice, Greek Hero has been favored in Australia, a role he will have again in Sunday’s Nowra Cup at a mile at Nowra Racecourse. In early betting on Friday, Greek Hero was even-money.
Greek Hero starts at Nowra after a promising recent prep.
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Trained by Richard and Michael Freedman, Greek Hero was a fast-closing third in a seven-furlong handicap at Kembla Grange on Nov. 21 in his first start since June. Greek Hero was last of 12 early and still 11th in the stretch before losing by about 2 1/4 lengths.
Greek Hero won a one-mile handicap at a mile at Musselbergh Racecourse in Scotland in his final start in Britain in October 2019. Greek Hero’s lone win in Australia came in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Kembla Grange in his debut in the country in May.
The Nowra Cup drew a field of nine. Greek Hero drew the outside post, which should not be a hindrance considering his closing or stalking style.
Highly Desired will be one of the runners to catch in the Nowra Cup, if he starts. Trained by Claire Lever, Highly Desired was fifth of 10 in the Mudgee Cup at a mile on Friday, his first start since a win in the Coonabarabran Cup at the tiny racecourse of the same name on Oct.25.
Cisco Bay has had a more conventional preparation for the Nowra Cup. He was sixth of eight in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on Nov. 20 as the 9-5 favorite.
Cisco Bay has won 5 of 29 starts in his career, but is winless in his last eight races, since January.
The Nowra program begins at 9:15 p.m., Eastern, or 6:15 p.m., Pacific, on Saturday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.