Australia: Shotgun Alli aims to stretch win streak to three at Hawkesbury

Shotgun Alli showed little in her first two starts last November and December, finishing sixth and eighth.

Six months later, the situation has changed remarkably. Shotgun Alli beat maidens in her first start in five months on May 27 at Gosford Park and followed that success with her first victory against winners in a handicap on June 13 at Hawkesbury Racecourse.

Thursday, Shotgun Alli will start against fillies and mares in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Hawkesbury, holding an excellent chance for a third consecutive win.

Two other fillies and mares who have recorded repeated wins in recent starts have attractive form. The Hawkesbury race will be the first start since October for Fortune Seeker, who won her first three starts. Silent Tryst, who has won two of her last four starts, also appears well-placed in this field of 10.

Hawkesbury, located on the outskirts of Sydney, has an eight-race program beginning at 10:15 p.m. Eastern, or 7:15 p.m. Pacific, on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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Shotgun Alli, trained by Ron Quinton, will be ridden for the first time by jockey Joshua Parr, who is likely to have the 3-year-old filly in a stalking position.

Fortune Seeker, who will race for the first time with blinkers, has shown ample speed in her first four starts. Trained by the powerful stable of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Fortune Seeker won three times last September and October before finishing fourth in a lucrative handicap for 3- and 4-year-olds on Oct. 31 at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse in Sydney.

For her comeback, Fortune Seeker has had two training races, or barrier trials, in May and June, suggesting she will be ready for a top effort. She could face early pressure from Agent of Chaos, a recent maiden race winner who will start against winners for the first time in this race.

Silent Tryst, a winner of 2 of 6 starts, was fourth in a handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs on April 9 at Muswellbrook, beaten slightly less than four lengths as the 5-2 favorite in a field of 10. Race winner Momack has since finished second and first in two starts.

Silent Tryst won earlier this year at six and seven furlongs.