Australia: Warrah Flash on roll heading into Scone handicap

Warrah Flash has become an effective late-running sprinter in Australia in recent months.

After losing his first five starts, Warrah Flash has compiled a two-race winning streak in a maiden race and a handicap since mid-April. Bettors have caught on. Warrah Flash was the 3-1 favorite when he closed from eighth of 11 to win a six-furlong handicap by a length May 18 at Tamworth Racecourse.

Tuesday, Warrah Flash figures to be a short price in a 10-runner handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Scone Racecourse. Warrah Flash, a 3-year-old Southern Hemisphere gelding, is trained by Stephen Jones, who is based at Scone. The racecourse is north of Sydney in the Australian interior.

Warrah Flash’s style may be a help Tuesday, considering he drew the rail. Jockey Michael Bell, who has been aboard for the recent wins, is not expected to have Warrah Flash close early.

Warrah Flash will carry 127.8 pounds, less than topweight Festival of Light at 134.4 pounds. Festival of Light won a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs on May 3 at Dubbo for his fifth career win in his 18th start, but was fourth in a five-furlong handicap at the same venue June 1.

Even though Festival of Light makes a quick turnaround for Tuesday’s race, he should be better-suited to this distance.

Tuesday’s race is the second race after a layoff for Niccirose and Without Connection.

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Niccirose was last of 16 in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs on May 15 at Scone in his first start in a year. Without Conviction, a 4-year-old mare, was fifth in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Port Macquarie on May 19 in her first start since January.

Without Conviction has won 2 of 4 starts at Scone. She will carry 130 pounds Tuesday.

First post time for the seven-race program at Scone is 10:35 p.m. Eastern, or 7:35 p.m. Pacific, on Monday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.