Australia: Love for Asher may have slight edge in Monday handicap

Unraced since a debut win in April, the 4-year-old filly Love for Asher may have a slight advantage over her principal rivals in a five-furlong handicap at Ballina Racecourse in Australia on Monday evening.

Love for Asher has been assigned 125.6 pounds, much lower than the 132 for Connelly, who was a slight favorite at 7-2 as of Sunday morning. Love for Asher was 4-1.

The difference in weight can be attributed to a lack of race experience for Love for Asher. In April, she won a five-furlong handicap at Taree despite racing wide and near the front throughout.

On July 23, Love for Asher finished third in a half-mile schooling race from the gate at Coffs Harbour Racecourse. Love for Asher was third in a schooling race two weeks before her debut earlier this year.

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Judging from her first start, Love for Asher is likely to race near the front in a full field of 14 at Ballina.

The big field may work in Love for Asher’s favor if prominent runners such as Extravagant Choice and Supidoman are sent to the front.

Connelly is a deserving favorite. A 4-year-old gelding, Connelly won a maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs on the synthetic track at Gold Coast Racecourse, near Brisbane, on July 1 in his fourth start. In his debut against winners, Connelly finished second by a short head in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs on the synthetic track at Gold Coast on July 22, his most recent start.

The race at Ballina will be Connelly’s first start on turf since a fourth-place finish in a maiden race at tiny Dalby Racecourse on June 6.

Ballina has a seven-race program beginning at 10:55 p.m. Eastern or 7:55 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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