Australia: Invernell heavily favored in Sandown handicap

In his debut in August, the Australian 3-year-old Invernell was highly regarded, winning a maiden race at seven furlongs at Sale Racecourse.

Invernell was beaten in his next two starts, including an 11th of 12 in the Group 1 Champion Stakes at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney in October, but rebounded to win his fourth start in a seven-furlong handicap at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne on Feb. 9.

The revival has made Invernell a strong favorite in a one-mile handicap at Sandown on Wednesday. Trained by Clayton Douglas, Invernell was 6-5 in early betting. The gelding tends to race near the front and should be able to handle this slightly longer distance than his last start.

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On Feb. 9, Invernell closed from fifth of eight to win by 2 3/4 lengths as the 2-1 favorite. Jamie Kah was aboard for the win, and has the mount in this race.

Sandown has a nine-race program beginning at 10:30 p.m. Eastern or 7:30 p.m. Pacific on Tuesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Invernell’s main rival is Pal D’oro, a 4-year-old gelding who has won 3 of 10 starts for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace. Pal D’oro was second to favored Logan Street Lion in a seven-furlong handicap at Sandown on Feb. 9.

Pal D’oro won sprint handicaps at 6 1/2 furlongs at Sandown in November and about 7 1/4 furlongs at Caulfield on Jan. 12. Pal D’oro tends to run near the front and will be the contender to catch at Sandown.