Australia: I Am the Empire should benefit from more suitable distance in handicap at Grafton
A race at 1 1/2 miles was a bit too far for I Am the Empire in Australia on March 10. After racing keenly early and still in contention with a furlong to go, I Am the Empire faded late.
Slightly shorter races have proved to be I Am the Empire’s best trip in his nine-race career, and the 1 3/8-mile distance should suit the Irish-bred 4-year-old gelding in a handicap at Grafton Racecourse on Sunday.
I Am the Empire will start favored against 11 rivals in a field slightly weaker than the field he faced at Kembla Grange on March 10. I Am the Empire has won twice at 1 3/8 miles.
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Trained by Annabel Neasham, I Am the Empire will break from the inside post. Jockey Brodie Loy, who won with a respectable 9 of 50 mounts from Feb. 16 through Saturday, rides I Am the Empire for the first time.
Irish Thorn, a 6-year-old Irish-bred gelding, appears to I Am the Empire’s leading rival. Irish Thorn won a handicap at 1 3/8 miles as the 6-5 favorite at Grafton on March 13, closing from fifth of seven to score his second win in his 13th start. This is a jump in class for Irish Thorn, who seems best suited as a closer.
The longshot Likeabeel is suited to the course and distance. Likeabeel won a handicap against a lower class at 1 3/8 miles at Grafton on Jan. 31 and was second by four lengths in a handicap at 1 9/16 miles at Ipswich Racecourse on March 2.
Likeabeel has won five times in his 41-race career at distances ranging from 1 1/8 miles to about 1 9/16 miles.
Grafton has a seven-race program beginning at 10:40 p.m. Eastern or 7:40 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.
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