Tatunka could return to winning ways at Bendigo

The last time Tatunka ran at Bendigo Racecourse in Australia he won his third consecutive sprint race in a handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs on June 21.

The streak ended with a second-place finish at Caulfield on July 11, followed by an eighth at Moonee Valley Racecourse on Aug. 11, races against tougher horses at two of Australia’s top venues.

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Tatunka is back in the entries at Bendigo in a one-mile handicap at a mile on Sunday and could return to the winner’s circle for the fourth time in his last six starts.

The 5-year-old Australian-bred gelding is certainly familiar with the surroundings. Trainer Bob Donat is based at Bendigo, which is north of Melbourne. Tatunka has won 2 of 5 starts at Bendigo and 5 of 15 races in his career.

Sunday’s race will be Tatunka’s first start at a mile since a second by 3 1/2 lengths in a handicap at Bendigo in March 2019. He has been second in two starts at the distance in his career.

Tatunka is part of a field of 13 and will carry joint top weight of 133 pounds with Howlowcanyougo, another leading candidate.

Howlowcanyougo, also a 5-year-old Australian-bred gelding, has won 5 of 10 starts and prevailed by a half-length in a seven-furlong handicap at Sale on July 26 to end a three-race losing streak.

Howlowcanyougo will be ridden by apprentice jockey Lachlan Neindorf, who is aboard him for the first time. Howlowcanyougo was originally scheduled to carry 136.6 pounds, an assignment reduced because of the presence of Neindorf.

Blinder, third behind Howlowcanyougo at Sale in his second start of 2020, has results from last October and November in one-mile races that give him an excellent chance at Bendigo. Blinder will carry 129 pounds.

First post time at Bendigo is 10 p.m., Eastern, or 7 p.m., Pacific, on Saturday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.