Australia: Just Malcom facing winners for first time

The tactical speed that Just Malcom used without success in his first three races finally worked in his fourth start, a five-furlong maiden race at Cranbourne Racecourse in Australia on April 16.

Just Malcolm closed from fifth of seven to win by 2 1/4 lengths as the 1-2 favorite on a course with a short run from the start to a left-handed turn. Prior to that race, Just Malcolm finished third, second, and sixth in his first three starts in maiden races from late December to mid-January.

Just Malcolm will face winners for the first time on Tuesday in a five-furlong handicap at Moe, which has a similar layout as Cranbourne for a short sprint. Trained by William Wood, Just Malcom is well drawn in post 4 in a field of 11, allowing for a potentially ground-saving trip into the turn.

Aside from Just Malcolm, the toughest runners are those expected to set the pace.

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Fast ‘N’ Deep, likely to be a slight favorite over Just Malcolm, has won 2 of 8 starts, frequently racing near the front. A 5-year-old mare, Fast ‘N’ Deep won a five-furlong handicap against a slightly tougher field at Cranbourne on April 30 in her first career start at the track.

Our Musketeer, a winner of 2 of 7 starts, has not raced since a fourth-place finish as the 5-2 favorite in a five-furlong handicap at Cranbourne last October, a loss that ended a two-race winning streak.

A 4-year-old gelding, Our Musketeer won twice at five furlongs – in a maiden race at Pakenham in April 2020 and a handicap at Mornington last October.

If Fast ‘N’ Deep or Our Musketeer engage in any sort of a speed duel, Just Malcolm should be well placed for the stretch run. Just Malcolm will be in a tougher spot in the stretch if one of the quicker runners makes an easy lead.

The nine-race Moe program begins at 10:30 p.m. Eastern, or 7:30 p.m. Pacific, on Monday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.