Australia: Several things to like about Smokin' Pierro in Ladbrokes Handicap

Since the beginning of June, Smokin’ Pierro has been in the best form of his career in Australia, winning two of three starts.

Smokin’ Pierro, who starts in the Ladbrokes Handicap at about 1 1/4 at Moonee Valley on Sunday, will always get a little extra attention when he races. The 5-year-old gelding is trained by Michelle Payne, who became famous for becoming the first woman to ride the winner of the Melbourne Cup – in 2015 on Prince of Penzance.

Payne, 34, still rides. She rode Smokin’ Pierro to a win in a handicap at 1 5/16 miles on the synthetic track at Ballarat Racecourse.

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

Sunday’s race is on turf, and that should suit Smokin’ Pierro, who won a handicap at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Donald Racecourse on June 5 when ridden by Jack Martin.

As a trainer, Payne has won with three of 16 starters from June 1 through Thursday. She rode 12 of those horses.

Smokin’ Pierro, who will carry 127.8 pounds, is part of a field of 11 led by Brilliant Concept, who will carry 129 pounds.

Brilliant Concept was 3-1 in early betting on Friday compared to 8-1 for Smokin’ Pierro. Brilliant Concept won consecutive starts at a mile on May 20 and June 3 before finishing fifth against a tougher field in a handicap at about a mile at Flemington Racecourse on June 20, beaten 2 3/4 lengths.

Brilliant Concept is starting at 1 1/4 miles for the first time in the Ladbrokes Handicap.

The Black Leopard, rated as a 5-1 chance, is the 135.5-pound topweight. A winner of 4 of 17 starts, The Black Leopard won a handicap at 1 5/16 miles at Sandown Racecourse on April 8, but has lost his last three starts, including a second by two lengths in a handicap at 1 1/8 miles at Sandown on June 24.

There are nine races at Moonee Valley, beginning at 10:15 p.m. Eastern, or 7:15 p.m. Pacific, on Saturday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.