Modernism gets blinkers in start over favored course
Since Modernism won a maiden race in her third start last October, the 5-year-old mare has steadily worked her way up the handicap ranks at minor tracks in the state of Queensland in Australia.
Modernism has won four of five starts since the win in the maiden race, leading to her toughest test in a seven-furlong handicap for fillies and mares at Townsville Racecourse on Friday.
Modernism has earned this chance and certainly seems to adore Townsville, having won twice in as many starts at the northeast Australian track last October and November. In her latest start, Modernism closed from fifth of six to win a seven-furlong handicap by a length at 2-5 at Cairns Racecourse on April 13.
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Trained by Mark Dale, Modernism will be fitted with blinkers for the first time for Friday’s race and has worked with the equipment.
At Townsville, Modernism will be ridden for the first time by Graham Kliese, who had a riding double at the track on July 22. Kliese won with 8 of 50 mounts from June 12 to July 31.
Modernism drew post 4 in a field of 13, which should suit her stalking style.
Because of the tougher class level, Modernism was 5-1 with Australian bookies on Wednesday behind Let’s Go Bobby (3-1) and Taraki (7-2).
Let’s Go Bobby and Taraka were third in handicaps for fillies and mares in July, losses that ended two-race winning streaks. They have similar running styles of leading or disputing the pace.
Let’s Go Bobby was beaten a little less than a length in a seven-furlong handicap at Townsville on July 31 as the 6-5 favorite in her third start of July. She won sprint handicaps at Mackay Racecourse on July 3 and July 24.
Taraka can lead but is more of a stalker, a style that worked in wins in sprint handicaps at Rockhampton Racecourse on June 1 and June 30. Taraka was third by 1 3/4 lengths in a seven-furlong handicap there on July 9, leading in the stretch. She may need a patient trip in this race to hold off Modernism.
The 10-race Townsville program begins at 10:54 p.m. Eastern or 7:54 p.m. Pacific on Thursday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.