Australia: Highly competitive field set for Kembla Grange handicap

Washington Towers returned from a four-month rest to win a five-furlong handicap at Canberra Racecourse in Australia on March 30 for his fifth win in 18 starts.

The 5-year-old gelding has been equally effective in his second race following a layoff at times in recent years, making his appearance in a five-furlong handicap at Kembla Grange Racecourse on Tuesday all the more intriguing.

The race at Kembla Grange drew a field of 10 and is highly competitive with half the runners listed at odds of 6-1 or lower on Sunday. Suprina, the winner of her last three starts, was 2-1, followed by Washington Towers at 5-2 and Coal Crusher at 3-1.

Understandably, a race at the short distance will have a hectic pace. Washington Towers, trained by Todd Smart, often sets the pace. Jockey Bill Owen, who was aboard for the win at Canberra on March 30, has the mount.

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Coal Crusher is more likely to race as a stalker. A winner of 2 of 8 starts, Coal Crusher has not raced since a win in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Hawkesbury Racecourse on Dec. 5.

Suprina has become a five-furlong specialist in recent months. Winless in her first 14 races, Surprina has won a maiden race and two handicaps at the distance since Feb. 7. At Queanbeyan Racecourse on Feb. 20, Suprina set a course record of 55.08 seconds. A 4-year-old filly, Suprina has won all three of her recent starts from the front.

A rapid pace will help Native Rock, who was 5-1 in early betting. Native Rock won a five-furlong handicap at Wyong Racecourse on Feb. 15, closing from fourth in a field of eight. The win ended a four-race losing streak for the 4-year-old gelding.

Kembla Grange ha a six-race program beginning at 11:25 p.m. Eastern, or 8:25 p.m. Pacific on Monday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.