Australia: Shockingly stretches out in handicap at Ballarat Racecourse

It is something of a surprise that the New Zealand-bred gelding Shockingly has won two of his last three starts in Australia since late January.

He was 11-1 when he beat maidens in his seventh career race in January and the same price when he won his second start against winners on March 29.

The winning trend will attract attention when Shockingly starts in a handicap at 1 1/4 miles on Tuesday at Ballarat Racecourse in Australia. The distance will be a challenge, equaling the longest race in the 4-year-old’s career.

Shockingly was last of seven in a handicap at about 1 1/4 miles at Moonee Valley Racecourse in his first start against winners on Feb. 14, but rebounded to win a handicap at about 1 1/16 miles at Sale Racecourse on March 29.

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Even though the race at Moonee Valley was not a top-class event, the track does tend to draw tougher competition than Sale or Ballarat, which is northwest of Melbourne.

Tuesday’s handicap drew a full field. The Ballarat card is part of a simulcasting program across American time zones on Monday evening and early Tuesday morning. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Shockingly will be ridden by apprentice Harry Grace, who was aboard for the win at Sale. Shockingly will carry 132 pounds, three less than top competitor and highweight Doraza, who has won his last two starts.

A 4-year-old gelding, Doraza will have no issue with the distance. His recent wins were in handicaps at 1 1/4 miles on March 22 and 1 5/16 miles on April 5. Similar to Shockingly, Doraza is a threat from off the pace.

The horse to catch is likely Sailors Falls, who will carry 131 pounds. A 6-year-old gelding, Sailors Falls led throughout a handicap at 1 1/4 miles on April 6, ending a six-race losing streak.