Spring Champion Stakes runner-up I’m Belucci will have a summer cameo at the Gold Coast before he returns to Sydney for a Group One campaign.
Brisbane trainer Desleigh Forster has carefully planned is hit-and-run raid on Saturday’s $2 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m).
I’m Belucci has been kept ticking over since his second to the Chris Waller-trained Vanbrugh in the Group One Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on October 10.
“He had a break at (spelling property) Washpool Lodge and used the water walker there and came back in fine fettle,” Forster said.
“I was happy with the way he worked with Buffering last Friday between races at Doomben. His final 200 metres was strong.
“I just want him to get some cover on Saturday and then he should run home over the top of them.”
She said I’m Belucci would probably go back to Washpool Lodge after Saturday’s run before he was prepared for his Sydney campaign.
“He is a clean-winded horse and there is still a way to go to Sydney,” Forster said.
“He can come back and head south with a race a couple of weeks before the (Group One) Rosehill Guineas.”
“It is then a case of whether we press on to the Australian Derby.”
I’m Belucci is a $16 chance in the Guineas with Mahuta and Egyptian Symbol the $4.50 equal favourites.
After a couple of flight delays because of mechanical problems with a cargo plane, the Darren Weir-trained Mahuta arrived safely in Queensland on Thursday.
Mahuta hasn’t raced since he won the Sandown Guineas in November while the Bjorn Baker-trained Egyptian Symbol has run second to Guineas rivals Flippant and Madotti at her past two starts.
