Australia: Matowatakpe has right style for Kembla Grange handicap

The phrase “second up” in Australian racing refers to a horse having its second start after a layoff.

Matowatakpe fits that description in a five-furlong handicap Thursday at Kembla Grange. A 3-year-old Australian-bred gelding, Matowatakpe was beaten a half-length in a five-furlong handicap on June 7 at Hawkesbury Racecourse, closing from last of 12 in his first start since January.

That is an uncharacteristic style for Matowatakpe, who has 1 win in 7 starts, a maiden race last December. He typically races as a stalker and has set the pace at times, a style that can work in his favor in Thursday’s race.

Trained by Bjorn Baker, Matowatakpe will be ridden by Mitchell Bell, who was aboard for the June 7 race. Matowatakpe will carry 132 pounds, slightly less than starting highweight Rafha’s Choice at 133. Lucy Rose and Shadow Bridge were assigned higher weights, but will be ridden by apprentice jockeys. Lucy Rose will carry 130 pounds, while Shadow Bridge will carry 131.

Shadow Bridge, a winner of 2 of 9 starts, was second by a nose in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Wyong Racecourse on June 4, leading to the final strides. Shadow Bridge, who may set the pace in Thursday’s race, won a five-furlong handicap at Kembla Grange in November 2018 in his first start against winners.

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Lucy Rose, who also is second up, was seventh in a five-furlong handicap at Warwick Farm in her first start since October on June 8. Lucy Rose is one of four fillies and mares in a field that will have a maximum of 11 runners.

Dizzy Miss Lizzy, who will carry 122.3 pounds, has been second and fourth in two starts following a five-month layoff. Her runner-up finish by a half-length in her comeback May 22 makes her competitive in this field, even though she was beaten 4 1/2 lengths in a five-furlong race June 12.

First post time at Kembla Grange is 10:15 p.m. Eastern, or 7:15 p.m. Pacific, on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.