Billy Healey, the trainer of Fifth Force, has offered a more charitable interpretation of the gelding’s last run, suggesting he has a favourable opportunity at Ipswich this Thursday.
Fifth Force encountered restricted galloping room in the home straight over 1600m at Sunshine Coast on September 27, but still managed to finish with vigour for third.
His upcoming engagement is the Fouchard Racing Benchmark 62 Handicap (1680m), where he is set to start from barrier 10, a draw that is not insurmountable given adequate race fitness.
“He didn’t have a lot of luck last start,” Healey agreed.
“If you look at his form he was plain at his two runs back but his first-up run at Ipswich he was caught wide up on the speed and it was probably not ideal where he was positioned.
“Second-up he was still racing a bit too freshly and keenly so we went back to the drawing board and took the blinkers back off.
“The kid rode him super the other day but maybe he was a bit stiff in a way just getting held up momentarily and had to work his way out wide but he was good late.”
The jockey booked for Fifth Force is three-kilo claiming apprentice Archie McColm, who commenced his riding career in April and will carry 56 kilograms.
“His last race has become a good form race with the winner (Prochester) won again last week and this looks like a nice race tomorrow from a tricky draw.
“He can be in a decent enough spot midfield and hopefully with a bit of cover to track into the race.”
Betting sites offer competitive racing odds for Fifth Force’s chances at Ipswich.