Australia: Never Second in perfect spot for second win

Four months after she won her career debut as a strong favorite, Never Second will have her second start in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Hawkesbury Racecourse in Australia on Tuesday.

Expectations are similar to the circumstances surrounding her maiden-race win at Gosford Park on Oct. 8. Never Second will be favored in a large field and has an excellent chance for an ideal trip.

Trained by Matthew Vella, Never Second was 8-5 in early betting Sunday, a clear choice over Barossa Rock and Head On Up, who were 6-1 in a field of 14.

A 3-year-old filly, Never Second will be ridden for the first time by Rachel King, a replacement for Tommy Berry, who is not riding Tuesday. King last rode for Vella on Jan. 27, riding a winner at Gosford.

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King rode Barossa Rock to a seventh-place finish in a six-furlong handicap at Gosford on Jan. 26, the 3-year-old filly’s first start against winners and her fourth race. Barossa Rock won a maiden race at Canterbury Park on Jan. 8, disputing the pace throughout.

On Tuesday, Barossa Rock, who will be ridden by apprentice jockey Reece Jones, is likely to set the pace from post 2.

The presence of Head On Up will also ensure a quick pace. A 3-year-old filly, Head On Up won her third start in a maiden race at five furlongs at Kembla Grange on Jan. 16.

If Barossa Rock and Head On Up set a wicked pace, Never Second should be well-placed as a stalker.

The seven-race program at Hawkesbury begins at 9:50 p.m. Eastern, or 6:50 p.m. Pacific, on Monday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.