I’m Belucci has shown trainer Desleigh Forster enough to build her confidence he will again be competitive in the Sydney autumn.
The colt finished second to Vanbrugh in the Group One Spring Champion Stakes and pleased Forster with a gallant second at Doomben on Saturday.
I’m Belucci was left in front in the 1650m-race and fought on bravely under 58.5kg before being beaten in a photo finish by Mr Epic.
Forster said she had instructed Michael Cahill to ride I’m Belucci positively to the first corner and then if possible to get off the fence to settle midfield.
But that plan didn’t work out with I’m Belucci left in front with nothing taking him on.
“That was a very good run. He had to give them all weight and the pattern of the race didn’t suit him. He is all class,” Forster said.
I’m Belucci will either start in another 1600m race at Doomben in a fortnight or join his stable mate Too Good To Refuse and head to Sydney during the week.
Too Good To Refuse is scheduled to run in Saturday’s Hobartville Stakes on his way to the Randwick Guineas.
I’m Belucci will be aimed at the Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby although he could also run in the Randwick Guineas.
Mr Epic’s win over I’m Belucci proved costly for his rider, Melbourne apprentice Regan Bayliss.
He was handed the heaviest fine issued by Queensland stewards yet under the revised whip rules introduced in December.
Bayliss was penalised $2000 for using his whip more than five times before the 100m.
The youngster was fined and suspended for similar offences on his previous visit to Queensland at the Gold Coast on Boxing Day.
