Australia: Nic's Hero tries a mile looking to end losing streak

This has been a season of narrow losses in Australia for Nic’s Hero, who starts in a one-mile handicap at Corowa Racecourse on Sunday evening.

Winless in 16 starts since March 2022, Nic’s Hero was beaten a head when third in a six-furlong handicap at Nowra in May, and was second by a nose in a seven-furlong handicap at Narrandera Racecourse in his last start July 16.

A move to a mile may help Nic’s Hero, who will start at the distance at Corowa for the first time in his 31st start. A four-time winner, Nic’s Hero tends to run from off the pace.

Nic’s Hero is part of a field of nine and rates as a contender along with Dancing in the Sky and Let’s Go Animal.

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The handicap is the first race on a seven-race program that begins at 11:25 p.m. Eastern or 8:25 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Dancing in the Sky was a game second by a half-length at Canberra Racecourse July 21 after setting the pace in a handicap at about 1 1/8 miles on the synthetic track. A 15-time runner, Dancing in the Sky’s only career win was at seven furlongs, meaning this one-mile race may work in favor of the 4-year-old gelding who is winless in his last eight starts.

Let’s Go Animal is winless in seven starts, but ran fairly well when sixth by 2 1/4 lengths in a seven-furlong handicap at Narrandera Racecourse July 16 after stalking the early pace. A 7-year-old gelding, Let’s Go Animal has won 8 of 48 starts, including two wins at a mile.

Dancing in the Sky could face an early threat from Ribeauville, who won a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Goulburn Racecourse on June 16, but was only eighth of 12, beaten 6 3/4 lengths, in a one-mile handicap at Wagga Wagga Racecourse on July 15.

A speed duel would help runners such as Nic’s Hero and Let’s Go Animal.

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