Australia: Zigallene only runner in field with win at Murwillumbah

Zigallene has essentially had two campaigns this year, leading to a start in a handicap at 7 3/4 furlongs at Murwillumbah Racecourse in Australia on Monday.

In January and early February, Zigallene finished second, first, and third, with the win in a handicap at 7 3/4 furlongs at Murwillumbah on Jan. 31. In late February and April, Zigallene was fifth and 12th in more lucrative, and more difficult, races at Sunshine Coast and Eagle Farm racecourses.

A return to Murwillumbah may be what the 4-year-old New Zealand-bred filly needs to win for the seventh time in her 29th start. Trained by Harold Norman, Zigallene has won at distances ranging from six furlongs to 1 1/8 miles, and is most effective when racing on or near the front. Regular rider Rikki Palmer has the mount on Monday as part of a field of 10.

Zigallene is the only runner in the field with a win at Murwillumbah, located on the Australian east coast south of Brisbane.

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Conquer the Stars, a 5-year-old gelding, will start at Murwillumbah for the first time in his 33rd start. A seven-time winner, Conquer the Stars won a seven-furlong handicap at Gatton Racecourse, west of Brisbane, on April 23, racing near the front.

Conquer the Stars was ridden at Gatton by apprentice jockey Melea Castle, who has the mount again at Murwillumbah. Castle has not ridden since April 30 and has two mounts on Monday’s seven-race program, which begins at 10:45 p.m. Eastern, or 7:45 p.m. Pacific, on Sunday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Conquer the Stars and Unleash the Red are the lone runners in the field with wins in their last starts.

Unleash the Red won a handicap at about seven furlongs at Grafton Racecourse on April 21, leading throughout to end an 11-race losing streak since March 2020.