Australia: Winter Moon hopes to continue career revival in one-mile handicap

Winter Moon was 10 races into his career before he won a maiden race at tiny Warren Racecourse in Australia in September.

The win appears to be part of a career revival for the 4-year-old gelding, who has won 2 of 14 starts. Following the maiden-race win, Winter Moon was eighth in his debut against winners on Oct. 16, but rebounded to finish second in a one-mile handicap at Mudgee on Oct. 23. Winter Moon won for the second time in a one-mile handicap at Warren on Nov. 7.

A month later, Winter Moon will start as a leading contender in a one-mile handicap at Dubbo Racecourse on Tuesday. Winter Moon will be ridden by Clayton Gallagher, who was aboard for the Nov. 7 win at Warren.

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The only drawback for Winter Moon at Dubbo is a wide draw in a full field. The post may not be a significant hindrance, considering Winter Moon races from off the pace. One-mile races at Dubbo are run around one turn on a right-handed track with a lengthy run to the turn that allows ample time for the runners to settle. Gallagher has every chance to gain a favorable position before reaching the turn.

The one-mile handicap is the sixth race on a seven-race program that begins at 10:05 p.m. Eastern, or 7:05 p.m. Pacific, on Monday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

The veteran Honeywine may be a slight favorite over Winter Moon, and for good reason. An 8-year-old gelding, Honeywine has won 5 of 52 starts, including a one-mile handicap at Dubbo on Nov. 14. More recently, Honeywine was second by a nose in a seven-furlong handicap at Tamworth on Nov. 30.

Honeywine drew post 4, which should suit his stalking style.

Coulpa, a 6-year-old gelding, can play a role and certainly likes Dubbo, having won two of four starts on the course. Coulpa won a one-mile handicap against lower-level horses on Nov. 2, and faces a class test here.