Australia: Rumpshaker lands in softer spot in Wyong handicap

Twice in March, the Australian-bred gelding Rumpshaker started in six-figure handicaps that are trial races to an upcoming final at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia.

The plan did not work. Rumpshaker finished fifth in a trial race at Hawkesbury Racecourse on March 6 and 12th of 13 at Gosford Racecourse in a similar race March 27.

The final will be held without Rumpshaker, who remains active. Thursday, Rumpshaker starts in a more reasonable race – a handicap at 6 3/4 furlongs at Wyong Racecourse.

A winner of 3 of 17 starts, Rumpshaker won handicaps at five furlongs on Dec. 20 at Taree Racecourse and at 6 1/4 furlongs there on Feb. 12 against competition that better compares to what he will face at Wyong than the recent trial races.

Trained by Nick Mitchell, Rumpshaker will be ridden by Jason Collett and stands an excellent chance to reverse recent form with a stalking trip.

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The Wyong sprint handicap drew a competitive field of 11, including the 10-year-old Isorich. On March 9, Isorich won for the 15th time in his 128-race career in a handicap at 6 3/4 furlongs at Wyong, stalking the pace before winning by a little more than a length under jockey Sam Clipperton, who has the mount in this race.

Arctic Thunder may have the role of pacesetter in her eighth start. A 3-year-old Southern Hemisphere filly, Arctic Thunder has won three times, but was fourth as the 8-5 favorite in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs on March 20 at Goulburn, fading from the lead late.

Arctic Thunder has recent wins at six furlongs and seven furlongs that place her high among the list of contenders. She may be quick enough to hold off a contender such as Rumpshaker.

Wyong has an eight-race program beginning at 11 p.m. Eastern, or 8 p.m. Pacific, on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.