Australia: Safe Secret's talent trumps inexperience at Bendigo
Safe Secret, who will start favored in a sprint handicap at Bendigo Racecourse in Australia on Sunday, is hardly the same gelding this year as he was in 2021.
In his lone start last year, Safe Secret finished 10th of 12 in a maiden race at Bendigo in his career debut. On April 10, Safe Secret returned after a layoff of nearly a year to win a five-furlong maiden race at Echuca Racecourse by an easy 3 3/4 lengths as the 3-4 favorite.
Safe Secret will have his third start on Sunday in a five-furlong race that drew a full field of 12. Trained by Mitchell Freedman, Safe Secret appears to be a standout despite his lack of experience. He will be ridden for the first time by Jordan Childs, a replacement for Tahlia Hope, who rides frequently for Freedman but does not have any mounts on Sunday.
:: Get free past performances, analysis, and picks for Australian racing
Childs is likely to have Safe Secret in the middle of the field in the opening furlongs at Bendigo. An Australian-bred 3-year-old, Safe Secret drew post 2. Races at five furlongs at Bendigo are run out of a chute that joins the main course on the turn. The stretch covers the final two furlongs.
The 3-year-old filly Sweet Mary may be the only other runner in the field with a single-digit price, depending on whether the filly Salamanders draws into the race from the also-eligible list.
Sweet Mary has had six starts, winning her debut in July 2021. She was fourth of eight in a five-furlong handicap at Terang Racecourse on March 18 as the 7-5 favorite, beaten 4 1/4 lengths. Sweet Mary, who is quick enough to lead, will be fitted with blinkers at Bendigo and could be the runner to catch.
Salamanders returned from a three-month layoff to finish fourth of eight in a five-furlong handicap at Scone Racecourse on March 29, losing by slightly more than two lengths. If she starts, this will be the first appearance at Bendigo for Salamanders.
Bendigo has an eight-race program beginning at 11 p.m. Eastern or 8 p.m Pacific on Saturday. Wagering is available at DRFBets.com.