Australia: Inwithachance hoping for avoid duel in Lismore handicap

After fourth- and second-place finishes in handicaps in October, Inwithachance will race for the third time following a three-month layoff in a competitive handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs on Monday at Lismore Racecourse in Australia.

A 6-year-old gelding, Inwithachance is likely to be prominent from the start in a field of eight and has a strong chance to win if a speed duel does not develop.

Trained by Peter Evans, Inwithachance was second in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs on Oct. 18 at Lismore, leading to deep stretch as a 10-1 chance before finishing 1 3/4 lengths behind 2-1 second choice Gangika. Gangika followed that victory with a win Friday.

Apprentice jockey Kyle Wilson-Taylor rode Inwithachance in the Lismore race on Oct. 18, and the fourth on Oct. 4 at Ballina Racecourse, experience that could be valuable Monday. Wilson-Taylor’s presence reduces Inwithachance’s weight assignment from 130 pounds to 125.6, well below topweight San Sierra at 135.5 pounds.

Inwithachance is one of four principal runners in the Lismore race, the first on a seven-race program that begins at 9:55 p.m. Eastern, or 6:55 p.m. Pacific, on Sunday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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Strong cases can be made for Antilia (130 pounds), Bangalley Lad (127.8), and Moonhawk (121).

Antilia won consecutive starts in March, but has not raced since a fourth-place finish at Murwillumbah Racecourse in May. Antilia won twice at 5 1/2 furlongs in 2018. A 5-year-old mare who runs from off the pace, Antilia often raced at seven furlongs to a mile earlier this year.

Bangalley Lad was beaten a nose in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs on Oct. 25 at Port Macquarie, closing from a stalking position. He has won three times at five furlongs and once at 5 1/2 furlongs, but is winless in six starts since late July even though he barely missed in his last start. He could be the beneficiary of a fast pace Monday.

Moonhawk could challenge Inwithachance for the early lead. A 4-year-old gelding, Moonhawk has been second in his last three starts, including a loss by a head at 5 1/2 furlongs on Sept. 20 at Armidale and by a length at five furlongs on Oct. 16 at Taree. Moonhawk set the pace in those races.