Australia: Lively pace expected in Kyneton sprint
French Star won consecutive races for the first time in her career at minor tracks in Australia in November.
A potential third consecutive win, in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Kyneton Racecourse on Thursday, hinges on whether the 5-year-old mare can be comfortable stalking the pace in a large field.
Trained by Bob Challis, who is based at Kyneton, French Star ended a 10-race losing streak with a victory in a six-furlong handicap at Benalla Racecourse on Nov. 7 and followed with a win in a six-furlong handicap at Kyneton on Nov. 29. In both races, French Star raced near the front throughout.
In Thursday’s race, runners such as First Point, Kaniva, and Sotiro are likely to contribute to an honest pace in a race with a maximum field of 11. There were four horses on the also-eligible list as of Tuesday.
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First Point, who will be a longshot, set the pace in a five-furlong handicap at Echuca Racecourse on Oct. 22, but faded late to finish fourth by about 2 1/2 lengths. Kaniva, who will be fitted with a tongue tie for the first time at Kyneton, had a similar trip as First Point in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Bendigo on Nov. 25, setting the pace before finishing 11th by seven lengths.
Kaniva has won twice at 5 1/2 furlongs and 5 3/4 furlongs, suggesting the Bendigo race was not her ideal distance.
Sotiro has not raced since June when she finished 10th of 11 at Sale Racecourse in her eighth start, and first against winners. Sotiro led throughout a maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs at Stawell Racecourse in late May.
All that speed could help Fortune Rose, who has not raced since she finished last of 12 in a handicap at about 5 1/2 furlongs at Geelong in July. Fortune Rose has won following a layoff in the past, and has won 2 of 4 starts at Kyneton in her career.
Kyneton has an eight-race program beginning at 9:30 p.m. Eastern or 6:30 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.