Australia: Lake's Folly will have pace to chase in Bendigo handicap

Lake’s Folly had little chance to win a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Morphettville Racecourse in Australia on June 6. In a field of six, Lake’s Folly closed from fifth to be a clear second behind pacesetter Lombardo, who was a heavy favorite and won by a comfortable three lengths.

Lake’s Folly has won 2 of 7 starts and will be favored to end a two-race losing streak in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Bendigo Racecourse. Trained by Anthony Freedman, Lake’s Folly won a six-furlong handicap in April in his first start since mid-December. He is a threat from off the pace.

Friday’s race will have a full field. There were 18 entries, but the race will have a safety limit of 12 runners. Unlike the June 6 race, there should be a pace for Lake’s Folly to follow.

A 3-year-old Australian-bred gelding, Lake’s Folly will carry 130 pounds in a race for apprentice jockeys. Lake’s Folly will be ridden by Lachlan Neindorf, who was aboard for the Morphettville race.

Sabotage, a 7-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding is the topweight at 134.4 pounds and will be ridden by Matthew Cartwright, who has won with three of his last 11 mounts through Wednesday. Sabotage has been second and third in two starts this year in handicaps in late May and early June.

The well-regarded gelding Dalwinston will carry 132 pounds in his first start since September. A winner of 3 of 17 starts, Dalwinston has won twice at seven furlongs and once at a mile.

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Dalwinston tends to run from a stalking position and is likely to be in pursuit of Reine Happy, who was assigned top weight of 140 pounds but will carry131 because of the presence of jockey Tayla Childs, the daughter of former Australian champion jockey Greg Childs.

Tayla Childs rode Reine Happy to a second in a handicap at 6 3/4 furlongs at Donald Racecourse on June 20. Childs, 24, began riding in May and had yet to record a win through Monday. Tayla’s twin brother, Jordan, also rides in Australia.

First post time at Bendigo is 10:30 p.m. Eastern, or 7:30 p.m. Pacific, on Thursday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.