Australia: At Witz End returns to scene of his last victory
At Witz End has not raced since January, and has not won since August.
But the venue and distance of his most recent victory gives At Witz End a sneaky chance to end a five-race losing streak in a seven-furlong handicap at Casino Racecourse in the state of New South Wales in Australia on Friday.
At Witz End won a seven-furlong handicap at Casino in August, stalking the pace before winning by two-thirds of a length over Exclusive. Those two reversed the result in their following start, in a seven-furlong handicap at Murwillumbah Racecourse two weeks later.
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A 5-year-old gelding, At Witz End has won 7 of 30 starts. He was 11th of 14 against a tougher field in a handicap at about a mile in January, and was third in a barrier trial, or workout from the gate, on April 22.
At Witz End is part of a field of 12 in the eight-race on a nine-race program that begins at 9:35 p.m., Eastern, or 6:35 p.m., Pacific, on Thursday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.
The handicap – officially known as the Beef Week Cup – lacks a clear favorite. The track hosts only four days of racing this year and is located south of Brisbane.
Potro Duro, last of nine at 100-1 in a tough handicap at Eagle Farm Racecourse on May 1 after a four-month layoff, was the 3-1 favorite in early betting to win for the sixth time in his 31st start.
Potro Duro, winless in six starts since a seven-furlong handicap at Eagle Farm in May 2020, will be ridden by apprentice jockey Zac Lloyd. Potro Duro has not raced at Casino, but is a three-time winner at seven furlongs.
Coastal Prince returns to a seven-furlong race after finishing 10th and sixth in handicaps at about a mile in April. Coastal Prince, who is quick enough to lead, won a seven-furlong handicap at Sunshine Coast Racecourse on March 28.