Australia: Rupertaar brings sterling record into Warwick Farm handicap

The only blemish in the four-race career of the Australian 3-year-old filly Rupertaar is a last-place finish in a handicap in July in her second start.

The loss was followed by a five-month layoff and two wins in December, leading to a start in a five-furlong handicap at Warwick Farm Racecourse in Sydney on Wednesday.

Trained by Bjorn Baker, Rupertaar has won 3 of 4 starts at distances ranging from 4 1/2 to five furlongs. The filly is quick enough to lead and may need to utilize that speed with an inside draw in a field of nine at Warwick Farm.

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

The seven-race Warwick Farm program begins at 10:20 p.m. Eastern or 7:20 p.m. Pacific on Tuesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

As of early Monday, Rupertaar was a slight favorite over De Grawin, a 5-year-old mare who has won 4 of 11 starts. It would be no surprise if Rupertaar or De Grawin started in stakes in coming weeks or months, considering their recent form.

De Grawin, trained by Joseph Pride, was a good second at 12-1 in a five-furlong handicap on the infield Kensington course at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on Jan. 1 in her first start in five months.

De Grawin is winless in her last five starts, since winning a five-furlong handicap at Randwick last January. De Grawin drew post 4 at Warwick Farm, and is quick enough to be near the front.

The 4-year-olds Sixgun, a gelding, and Duchess, a filly, start after brief layoffs.

Sixgun tends to run from off the pace. He won a five-furlong handicap at Randwick in July, but lost his next two starts in August before being given a rest.

Duchess, who has shown speed at times, has won 4 of 13 starts and three of her last five races. She was sixth of eight, beaten two lengths, in a five-furlong handicap on the Kensington course on Sept. 1 in her most recent start.

Sixgun and Duchess have won following layoffs, giving this Warwick Farm race added depth.