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False rail a worry for Forster and I'm Belucci

8 August 2018

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer Desleigh Forster’s confidence of an improved showing from handy stayer I’m Belucci has been offset by the rail position at Doomben on Saturday.

The Doomben meeting will be held with the false rail out 7.5 metres the entire course which Forster believes will make it hard for backmarkers like I’m Belucci.

I’m Belucci will be ridden by Mark Du Plessis in the Brisbane BMW Open Handicap (2050m).

The six-year-old has started 20 times in his career with his solitary win in a Maiden at Beaudesert in September, 2015.

The lack of success hasn’t deterred Forster who sent the son of ill-fated sire Captain Sonador to Sydney in his three-year-old year.

After winning his Beaudesert Maiden, I’m Belucci was placed at Doomben before finishing second to Vanbrugh in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick in 2015.

He returned to Sydney the following year for the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas but failed to measure up.

I’m Belucci campaigned in the major three-year-old races during last year’s Brisbane winter carnival where his best performance was his placing in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Doomben.

“You don’t see the best of this horse until he gets up to 2000 metres or more,” Forster said.

“He’s done well since his last run and he’s getting up in distance to where he should be.

“He’s only won the one race but he’s had a lot of setbacks and injuries. He comes into his own over a bit of ground.

“He worked to the line strongly last run when he ran sixth but the false rail is out a long way this time which will make it hard for horses like him.”

Forster will decide after Saturday’s performance whether to take I’m Belucci south for a country Cups campaign in the spring with the Taree Cup an option.

Forster has also accepted with Malvern Estate (Class Six Plate) and Archade in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap.

“Malvern Estate’s last run was super when the leader had it easy in front and was always going to be hard to run down,” she said.

“He’ll probably go for a break after this run and I’ll chase a wild card into the Magic Millions with him.

“Archade is also a Magic Millions horse and we’ll aim that way with him as well.

“Archade had to chase the leader when he ran second in town last start and he had to carry 58kgs while the winner had a lot less weight.”

Racing Queensland webnews  August 8