Australia: Sir Rocket takes on winners for first time at Gosford

The highly regarded gelding Sir Rocket faces winners for the first time in his third start in a six-furlong handicap at Gosford Racecourse in Australia on Tuesday. Sir Rocket’s first two races suggest he is at the start of a very bright career.

The Australian-bred was second in his debut at Gosford in August 2019, finishing about a length behind Standout, who later won two stakes.

Sir Rocket did not start again until a five-furlong handicap for maidens at Gosford on Oct. 8, racing near the front throughout and winning by about a neck as the 3-10 favorite.

Sir Rocket may not be favored on Tuesday. Geo, who has been fourth in his last two starts in September and October against tougher competition, is likely to be the top choice in an attempt to end a four-race losing streak since a maiden race on the Kensington course at Royal Randwick last December.

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

Geo is likely to stalk the pace and must catch Sir Rocket, who tends to run near the front. Tuesday’s race has a field of 13 and includes two other runners who race near the front in Henschel, who was third by a half-length in a six-furlong handicap at Port Macquarie on Oct. 25, and Aytope, who was third by 2 1/2 lengths in a five-furlong handicap at Muswellbrook on Oct. 19 in his first start since May.

Tuesday’s race is restricted to males and is the seventh race on an eight-race program that begins at 9:25 p.m. Eastern, or 6:25 p.m. Pacific, on Monday. Wagering is available at DRFBets.com.

Aside from Geo and Sir Rocket, Squanto is well regarded. A 3-year-old colt, Squanto has not started since a win against maidens at seven furlongs at Kembla Grange on Aug. 1. He tends to race from off the pace and is well drawn in post 8.

Squanto will carry 126.7 pounds, much lower than topweight Geo at 136.6 and Sir Rocket at 130.