Australia: Strong pace could set table for Manderboss in Canberra Mile

Canberra Racecourse in Australia is home to the 4-year-old gelding Manderboss and could be the location of his biggest win in the $102,200 Canberra Mile on Thursday evening.

Manderboss has won 4 of 18 starts in his career, and is unbeaten in two starts at Canberra – a maiden race at seven furlongs in January 2022 and a minor handicap at a mile last March.

Manderboss has started twice this year, finishing fourth in a handicap at Rosehill Gardens on Jan. 14 prior to winning the Bega Cup at a mile at Sapphire Coast on Jan. 29. Manderboss closed from ninth in the Bega Cup and that style of racing may be vital for a chance to win the Canberra Mile.

Prominent rivals such as Mission Phoenix and For Valour have speed and could set a quick pace in the Canberra Mile.

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

Mission Phoenix had won three of his preceding four starts before he finished eighth in the Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm Racecourse on Jan. 26.

The Australia Day Cup at 1 1/2 miles may have been a bit too far for the 6-year-old gelding’s best effort.

Mission Phoenix, trained by Mark Newnham, won races at distances ranging from 7 3/4 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles from late October to early January. In the Australia Day Cup, Mission Phoenix broke slowly and was fifth in the stretch. He faded to finish 4 1/2 lengths behind race winner Chalk Stream.

For Valour ended a seven-race losing streak with a win in a handicap at 7 3/4 furlongs at Canterbury Racecourse on Feb. 17. He was a game second by a neck in a handicap at 6 3/4 furlongs at Rosehill Gardens on Jan. 28.

A fast pace would boost the chances of the Kentucky-bred gelding Cadre du Noir. A winner of 4 of 17 starts, Cadre du Noir has not raced since he finished eighth of nine in the St. Leger Stakes at 1 5/8 miles as the 5-2 second choice at Rosehill Gardens on Oct. 15.

Cadre du Noir has raced primarily at 1 1/2 miles in recent starts, but did win at a mile in England in 2019 as a 3-year-old. Cadre du Noir has raced in Australia since July 2020 and has won three times at 1 1/2 miles in the country.

The Canberra Mile drew a field of 12 and is part of a nine-race program that begins at 9:35 p.m. Eastern or 6:35 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.