Australia: Nikau Spur tries to put lameness problems behind him at Sandown

On May 5, Nikau Spur finished seventh at even-money in a seven-furlong handicap at Warrnambool Racecourse west of Melbourne, Australia.

Nikau Spur was given a post-race lameness diagnosis by a veterinarian, the second time that has happened since December. Nikau Spur has since been cleared to resume racing, and is entered in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Once again, Nikau Spur will be a strong favorite to win for the third time in a career that began last July. Nikau Spur, trained by the partnership of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, won a maiden race at Moonee Valley Racecourse at a mile in December, and a seven-furlong handicap at Pakenham Racecourse on April 15 in his first start since January.

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The setback at Warrnambool was Nikau Spur’s second start following the layoff.

Nikau Spur, the mount of regular jockey John Allen, is part of a field of 12 in the handicap. The eight-race program at Sandown begins at 10:25 p.m., Eastern, or 7:25 p.m., Pacific, on Tuesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

A 4-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding, Nikau Spur is a closer and starts from post 12, which should not hinder his style.

Nikau Spur is likely to have a target in the promising 3-year-old filly Safeeya, who has one win in 10 starts and was second in her latest race, a seven-furlong handicap at Ballarat Racecourse on May 9. Safeeya tends to run as a stalker and will be ridden by Jamie Kah, the leading rider at Melbourne area tracks.

The improving 3-year-old filly Vivacious Award appears well placed at Sandown to win for the second time in her fifth start. Vivacious Award closed well to finish second by a head in a handicap at about 6 1/2 furlongs at Geelong Racecourse on May 14. The Sandown race is her longest start, and should be a good fit for her closing style.

Vivacious Award figures to be about 8-1 and is an alternative selection to Nikau Spur.