Australia: Pair of geldings head handicap sprint at Beaumont

The geldings Call Me Louis and Herne Hill were come-from-behind winners in their last starts in Australia, victories that occurred six months apart.

Call Me Louis beats maidens in his fourth career start at 6 1/2 furlongs on the infield Beaumont course at Newcastle Racecourse in his last appearance Jan. 30. Herne Hill won for the second time in his 22-race career in a seven-furlong handicap at Taree Aug. 1.

The wins leave both in contention in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs on the Beaumont course on Sunday evening. The handicap is part of a seven-race program that begins at 10:55 p.m. Eastern or 7:55 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Call Me Louis, trained by Lyle Chandler, finished second in a five-furlong schooling race from the gate, or barrier trial, at Tamworth July 28 in preparation for his comeback. Call Me Louis won on heavy turf in January. Course conditions are expected to be soft for Sunday evening’s program.

Herne Hill, trained by Justin Bowen, ended a seven-race losing streak at Taree, winning on a good turf course. A 5-year-old, Herne Hill finished third in his two preceding starts, losing each race by less than two lengths. Herne Hill is winless in four starts on heavy turf, but has been second and third in such conditions.

Shen Gui, a winner of 5 of 43 starts, can be a factor from off the pace. Winless in his last four starts, Shen Gui finished fourth of 11, by less than two lengths, in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Newcastle July 25. He closed from sixth in that field, displaying his customary late running style.

An 8-year-old gelding, Shen Gui won the Beaumont course in a handicap at 6 ½ furlongs in March. Trained by Lou Mary, Shen Gui has since won a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Gunnedah in May.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.