Dick Powell’s Australian Pick of the Week for October 2

Race 1 at Gosford (Australia A) on Wednesday night is a benchmark 64 handicap going one mile around two, tight right-handed turns. The track is expected to be “Good 4” so the ground should be fair to everyone.   

Bet the race program at Gosford here.

#5 BANTEUX is a horse for the course that has a maiden win and a third here in two starts. He has done his best racing on Good ground and he draws post two for the short run into the first turn. He was off for four months before returning in a barrier trial where he didn’t show much. He was a good third against Class 1 company last out at Kembla Grange going seven furlongs where he showed some speed away from the gate and now picks up one pound going one furlong farther for Chris Waller who has won 9 of his last 50 starts.

#4 TEST OF WAR returned to the races off a six-month layoff and rallied some here going six furlongs. He showed good speed in his next two starts at Hawkesbury going seven furlongs against this class level. The first time was over Soft ground in slower time then the last start was over Good ground in faster time. The distance might be a touch too far him but at least he carries the same weight and could have things his own way on the front end. Brent Avdulla gets off to ride #5 BANTEUX and he picks up Rachel King who has ridden him before.

#1 CONTINUATION was a good third against this class level and then was off for the summer. One thing in his favor is that in most of his starts last season, he took money. Since then, he had a barrier trial on Heavy ground here then caught Soft ground in another one at Wyong. He has a win at today’s distance and has done his best racing going longer so Tommy Berry should be able to stalk the early pace and be the strong horse in the stretch.

#5 BANTEUX should appreciate the Good ground and drop in class at decent odds.

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Photo by SkyRacing.com/Steve Hart