Australia: Lady Extreme favored in Gosford handicap off impressive debut win

A debut win by Lady Extreme on Dec. 7 has made the 4-year-old filly the center of attention in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Gosford Racecourse in Australia on Saturday evening against more experienced runners.

Lady Extreme won a five-furlong maiden race as the 4-1 third choice at Gosford by 2 1/4 lengths, closing from fourth in a field of six.

Lady Extreme was the 8-5 favorite in early betting for Saturday’s race at Gosford, a low price considering she is part of a field of 13.

Trained by Blake Ryan, Lady Extreme was not helped by the draw. She will start from the outside, which will put pressure on jockey Jay Ford to save some ground. There is a relatively long run on the backstretch at Gosford to a sweeping turn that leads to a short stretch run of slightly more than a furlong.

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The race lacks a clear second choice, with Liangelo and Spirit of Storm likely to draw support despite recent losses.

Liangelo won a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs at Newcastle on July 8 in his third career start, but was ninth of 12 two weeks later in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Rosehill Gardens in his latest appearance.

Spirit of Storm won a maiden race in her third start at the abbreviated distance of 4 1/2 furlongs at Newcastle on Nov. 26 and was fourth of sixth, beaten 2 3/4 lengths, in a five-furlong handicap at Kembla Grange Racecourse on Dec. 14, her debut against winners.

Spirit of Storm closed some ground in the final furlong at Kembla Grange and could benefit with a start in a slightly longer race at Gosford.

Gosford has a seven-race program beginning at 9:45 p.m. Eastern, or 6:45 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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