Trainer Desleigh Forster will not rush a decision on an attempt at a clean sweep of the Doomben Summer Series even if Adebisi claims the second leg, the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes on Saturday.
Forster is still on a high after landing her biggest win of her career with Adebisi in the Series’ first leg, the Group Three George Moore Stakes (1200m) at Doomben eight days ago.
Her fortunes fluctuated at Eagle Farm on Saturday when stablemate Easy Running was first past the post in the Listed Gold Edition Plate but lost it on protest to Gold Coast three-year-old Biggles.
The Gordon Yorke-trained Natural Destiny is the only sprinter to win all three legs of the Doomben summer series when he was successful in 2006-2007.
A Lough Neagh Stakes win from Adebisi will give the four-year-old the opportunity to equal Natural Destiny’s feat if Forster chooses to proceed to the final leg, the Listed Bernborough Handicap (1615m) on Saturday week.
Forster is confident Adebisi can prove his George Moore Stakes victory was no fluke when he lines up against a similar field in the Lough Neagh Stakes at Doomben.
“If he happens to win the Lough Neagh I’m not going to rush my decision about his next run,” Forster said.
“I’m not saying yes and I’m not saying no about trying to win the third leg as well.
“But he’d have to back up a week later to go for the Bernborough and there’s always the Goldmarket Handicap two days later.
“I’m sure he will run a mile but if we went the Goldmarket way he’s only dropping back 50 metres.”
The Listed Goldmarket Handicap (1300m) is at the Gold Coast on January 2.
Adebisi has started once over 1600 metres when a handy fifth to Pressday in last year’s Group One TJ Smith at Eagle Farm.
“He ran the mile (1600m) as a two-year-old and he’s more mature and racing a lot more settled since he’s been gelded,” she said.
“When records like this come around it’s always tempting but I’ll do the best thing for the horse.”
Forster knows Adebisi will need to be right at his top for the Lough Neagh and won’t be concerned if he doesn’t lead.
“He had too much speed for them in the George Moore so you would expect he’d probably lead again,” she said.
“But Zero Rock also likes to lead and if she wants to head him then I’m happy for Adebisi to take a trail.”
Zero Rock made a successful comeback to win the Listed Travel Associates Classic (1200m) at Eagle Farm on December 3.
The six-year-old mare is defending her title in the Lough Neagh Stakes after claiming the feature last year.
AAP TURF
