Australia: Roseirro likely favorite in one-mile handicap

Roseirro could inherit the role of a strong favorite in a one-mile handicap at Sapphire Coast Racecourse in Australia on Monday, particularly if chief rival Boom and Zoom is held out of the race.

Boom and Zoom finished last of 10 in a much tougher handicap at 1 1/8 miles at Canterbury Park on Friday evening, fading from contention in the final quarter-mile. A quick turnaround to Monday’s race would be a surprise.

Interestingly, Boom and Zoom, a 4-year-old filly, has won 2 of 23 starts, with both wins at Sapphire Coast, which is located a few miles inland from the Tasman Sea, northeast of Melbourne.

:: Get free past performances, analysis, and picks for Australian racing

Roseirro, winner of 4 of 32 starts, is in need of a career boost, having lost 11 starts since a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs at Rosehill Gardens in January 2020. More recently, Roseirro was an encouraging second, beaten about a head, in a handicap at a mile at Goulburn Racecourse on Feb. 16 as an 11-1 chance.

Boom and Zoom has already had four starts this year. She was a solid third in a handicap against a better field at 1 1/8 miles at Royal Randwick Racecourse on Feb. 13, beaten slightly less than a length after racing near the front.

Monday’s race drew a field of 12 and is the sixth race on a program that begins at 9:45 p.m. Eastern, or 6:45 p.m. Pacific, on Sunday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

None of the runners won their last starts, although the gelding Club Legend won a seven-furlong handicap at Sapphire Coast on Jan. 30 before finishing fifth in the same race as Roseirro on Feb. 16. Club Legend was beaten only a half-length in the latter race.