Australia: Yirrkala stretches out, looking to end skid

A new distance may end a six-race losing streak in Australia for Yirrkala, who will start at seven furlongs in a handicap at Tamworth Racecourse on Thursday evening.

Yirrkala has raced primarily at five furlongs in her seven-race career, winning her debut at that distance last November. In her last two starts, Yirrkala has been second in six-furlong races, losing by 1 1/4 lengths at Scone June 30, and by slightly less than a half-length at Tamworth July 7.

In those races, Yirrkala was ridden by apprentice Coby Vitler. Grant Buckley, who was aboard for the win in the maiden race last November and two other races in December, regains the mount at Tamworth.

Yirrkala, trained by Brett Cavanough, is part of a full field of 14. Cavanough’s stable is due for a winner. He has won 64 races since the season began last August, but with only 2 of 50 runners from June 25 through Sunday.

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Yirrkala is likely to race from a stalking position and will be favored.

Agnodice will face winners for the first time and can pose a threat from off the pace. Jockey Ashley Morgan rode Agnodice to a win in a six-furlong maiden race at Tamworth July 7 in the filly’s eighth start and has the mount in this field.

Tamworth has an eight-race program beginning at 10:15 p.m. Eastern or 7:15 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

The lightly-raced Southern Hemisphere 2-year-old filly White Arendelle can be a factor from a stalking position. She beat older horses in a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs at Gunnison Racecourse July 11 in her second start.

White Arendelle is the lone 2-year-old in the lineup.

Australian-based Thoroughbreds have their birthdays on Aug. 1, meaning this is likely to be White Arendelle’s final start of her juvenile season.

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