Australia: War Deck in sharp form but for a change won't be favored

The ultra-consistent gelding War Deck could easily be on a three-race winning streak in advance of a start in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Goulburn Racecourse in Australia on Thursday.

Trained by John Bateman, War Deck was third by a neck in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Orange Racecourse in November, won a handicap at a mile at Nowra in December, and then was second by a nose in a handicap at a mile at Canberra on Jan. 13 in his lone start this year.

In each race, War Deck was favored and closed well from off the pace.

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At Goulburn, War Deck is unlikely to be favored because of the presence of Musume and Island Bay Boy. War Deck should benefit from a start in post 6 in a field of 10 compared to a rail start at Canberra.

Musume, a 5-year-old mare, was third in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs at Goulburn on Feb. 21 in her first start since a last-place finish in a field of 11 at Warwick Farm in late November. Musume was beaten three-quarters of a length at Goulburn.

A pacesetter, Musume used that style to win a seven-furlong handicap at Kembla Grange in mid-November.

Island Bay Boy is the least experienced runner in Thursday’s field, having had two starts – a maiden race win at six furlongs at Canberra Racecourse on Nov. 15 and a fifth as the 4-5 favorite in a six-furlong handicap at Goulburn on Feb. 21.

Island Bay Boy was away slowly on Feb. 21, raced widest of all in a field of nine, and finished with some interest in the stretch.

The seven-race Goulburn program begins at 9:50 p.m. Eastern, or 6:50 p.m. Pacific, on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.