Australia: Late-running Buck Pharoah to carry topweight in sprint

When Buck Pharoah kicks, he seemingly flies.

The Australian sprinter is not the most reliable runner, but his electrifying late rally worked in a five-furlong handicap at Kempsey Racecourse on Nov. 10 in his second start following a layoff of more than eight months.

Buck Pharoah has won 3 of 8 starts at five furlongs in his 17-race career, and rates an excellent chance for another win at the distance at Taree Racecourse on Sunday evening.

A four-time winner, Buck Pharoah will carry joint topweight of 137.7 pounds.

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At Kempsey, Buck Pharoah closed from 11th of 12 to win by three-quarters of a length at 7-1. The win ended an eight-race losing streak since a win in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Port Macquarie Racecourse in October 2022 when he raced from a stalking position. Earlier in his career, Buck Pharoah won from well off the pace.

At Taree, Buck Pharoah is part of a field of eight in the third race on a seven-race program that begins at 9:50 p.m. Eastern or 6:50 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Buck Pharoah will be ridden by Jon Grisedale, who was aboard for the win at Kempsey. Buck Pharoah was the 2-1 second choice in early betting on Saturday behind Overextend (7-5). Zokar (4-1) and Adamdeeant (6-1) were the only other runners with single-digit odds.

Overextend, a winner of 3 of 18 starts, has not raced since he finished fourth by three lengths after a wide trip in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Coonamble. He is winless in four starts since a five-furlong handicap at Muswellbrook in April.

Overextend has a favorable weight assignment of 124.5 pounds, partially due to the booking of apprentice jockey Chelsea Hillier.

Zakor will also carry 137.7 pounds and that is reduced from an original assignment of 142.2 pounds. Apprentice jockey Jayden Barrie claims approximately 4 1/2 pounds.

Zakor beat a higher quality field in a handicap at 4 1/2 furlongs at Muswellbrook on Nov. 7 than he will face at Taree. More recently, Zakor was sixth of seven by 2 3/4 lengths in a five-furlong handicap against a tough field at Taree on Nov. 19. Zakor set the pace before fading in the final furlong.

Even with a heavy weight assignment, Zakor may be tough to catch on Sunday evening, and may need an early edge to stay in front of Buck Pharoah.

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