Australia: Sheila brings late-rally style to Monday handicap
The Australian filly Sheila has such a stout late kick that she may be impossible to hold off in a five-furlong handicap at Wagga Wagga Racecourse on Monday evening.
It does not hurt that Sheila is not too far removed from a maiden win at Albury on May 12.
Since that win, Sheila has finished second, fourth and third, never losing by more than two lengths. Last Monday, Sheila was third by slightly more than 1 1/4 lengths in a five-furlong handicap at Corowa Racecourse, closing sharply from seventh in a field of 10.
A late rally has its drawbacks, particularly finding clear running room in large fields. The race at Wagga Wagga has a field of 11. Sheila is well drawn in post 4.
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A 4-year-old filly, Sheila was 2-1 in early betting on Sunday behind Bekele (7-2), Free Market (4-1) and Sir Savalaca (5-1).
Bekele, who has won once in 12 starts, has lost 10 starts since a maiden race at five furlongs in October 2021. Bekele was beaten a neck in a five-furlong handicap at Donald Racecourse on June 17, closing from the back of the field.
Free Market is winless in his last five starts, the most recent of which was a sixth by 3 1/2 lengths after a wide trip in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Wagga Wagga on June 13. In his last start at five furlongs, Free Market closed from last of 14 to finish a good second by 1 3/4 lengths in a handicap at Echuca on June 1.
Sir Savalaca has started 15 times, and won his 12th career race against maidens at six furlongs in July 2022. The Monday evening race at Wagga Wagga will be Sir Savalaca’s first start since a second by two lengths in a five-furlong handicap at Canberra Racecourse on Jan. 20.
For his comeback, Sir Savalaca may have a slight edge over his leading rivals in that he tends to run much closer to the front. He led throughout his maiden race win.
Wagga Wagga has a seven-race program beginning at 10:40 p.m. Eastern or 7:40 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.
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