It is fitting that Awesome Pluck will be making his comeback to racing at Doomben on the same day as The Kosciuszko.
Twelve months ago, Awesome Pluck finished eleventh to Handle The Truth in The Kosciuszko and he ran third to Belflyer in the event’s inaugural running two years ago.
Now trained at Eagle Farm by Desleigh Forster, Awesome Pluck resumes in Saturday’s Lexus Handicap (1200m) at Doomben.
The six-year-old pleased Forster in a 1000 metre barrier trial at Doomben on October 6 when he finished third to the Tony Gollan-trained Niedorp when ridden by Leanne Henry.
“Leanne never let him go in the trial but from what he’s shown me at home there’s no doubt what sort of horse he is,” Forster said.
“He’s a really good horse and I’m probably lucky to get him.
“I train a few horses for his owner, Dale Miller, and I was fortunate to be the one to get this horse because he could’ve given him to any number of trainers.”
Awesome Pluck has done the majority of his racing in New South Wales but he is no stranger to Queensland.
The gelding scored a barnstorming victory at Doomben in December 2018 then won his following start at Eagle Farm when trained by Jenny Graham.
Forster is hoping Awesome Pluck can measure up to the summer sprint series later this campaign.
“He’s still only a class four horse, keep in mind, so we’ve got options with him,” she said.
“I’ve only given him the one trial but he’s done plenty of work at home and we’ll just assess him after Saturday to see where we head with him.”
Forster has made a subtle gear change with Awesome Pluck, who will race in a butterfly bit while the lugging bit has been removed.
Awesome Pluck has been kept safe on the third line of betting at $7 with TAB fixed odds with Stuttering, who is also resuming, a $5 favourite.
