Australia: Star on Fire, Osman face winners in Tuesday handicap

Star on Fire and Osman were maiden-race winners in their last starts at minor tracks in Australia in recent weeks, and they face winners for the first time in a handicap at 6 1/4 furlongs at Gunnedah Racecourse on Tuesday.

While they may lack experience, they have considerable potential considering their recent wins, particularly Osman.

Star on Fire led throughout a five-furlong handicap at Gunnedah on July 4 in his second start. Osman closed from fourth in a field of 11 to win his third start in a six-furlong maiden race at Coonamble Racecourse on June 19, pulling clear by a length.

Both were well backed in their maiden-race wins, and will be challenged at Gunnedah by one-time winners Just Jacky and Sterny Bay, who were second in their last starts.

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Star on Fire could face an early challenge from Sterny Bear, who has had nine starts and was beaten a nose in a handicap at 6 1/4 furlongs at Taree Racecourse on June 28. Sterny Bear, winless in five starts since late March, set the pace in that race, leading to the final strides.

Just Jacky won a maiden race at 7 1/4 furlongs at Muswellbrook Racecourse in his eighth start on May 9 and was second by slightly less than four lengths in his debut against winners at a mile at Inverell Racecourse on May 20, closing from fourth.

Of those four, Osman may hold a slight edge because of his patient running style, which will be required from an outside post. Gunnedah Racecourse has a circumference of 1 1/8 miles, with six-furlong races starting on the middle of the backstretch.

Osman will be ridden by jockey Aaron Bullock, who has the mount for the first time. He will be entrusted to save some ground and avoid a wide trip.

Bullock may be the right jockey at the right time. Since July 1, Bullock has won six races from 15 mounts through Saturday.

Gunnedah has an eight-race program beginning at 10:10 p.m. Eastern, or 7:10 p.m. Pacific, on Monday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.