By Trent Crebbin - Racing & Sports
Talented three-year-old Green Belt will appreciate stepping up in trip in Saturday’s Group 2 Queensland Guineas.
Green Belt, trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent Jr, will tackle group company for the first time at his fourth race start in Saturday’s Queensland Guineas at Eagle Farm, with a potential tilt at the Queensland Derby on the cards.
The American bred son of Declaration Of War impressed in two wins during the Summer before a let up, returning with a strong closing second in the listed Daybreak Lover over 1400m at Eagle Farm, and co-trainer Michael Kent Jr is expecting sharp improvement.
“The 1400m was too short and we had to ride him back from a wide gate (first up). Hopefully he draws a gate, and we can go forward out to a mile,” said Kent Jr.
Green Belt raced on the speed in both Victorian wins over a mile, and Saturday’s run will help determine a Winter path for Green Belt, including whether he gets out in trip this preparation with the Queensland Derby still an option.
“He’s trained on well. The Rough Habit Plate (2200m) is an option after Saturday if we continue to look towards the Derby,” said Kent Jr.
Green Belt has opened an early $2.80 favourite (all-in) for the Queensland Guineas with the TAB and is on the third line of betting for the Queensland Derby at $9 behind VRC St Leger winner Alegron.