Trainer Billy Healey believes Fifth Force has a solid opportunity at Ipswich on Thursday, despite some punters perhaps having a less favourable view of his most recent performance.
The gelding encountered traffic issues in the home straight over 1600m at Sunshine Coast on September 27, ultimately finishing strongly for third place.
His upcoming engagement in the Fouchard Racing Benchmark 62 Handicap (1680m) will see the six-year-old commence from barrier 10, a position that race fitness can help overcome.
“He didn’t have a lot of luck last start,” Healey acknowledged.
“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 rider in question is three-kilo claiming apprentice Archie McColm, who had his inaugural ride in April and will again partner Fifth Force, reducing his weight to 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.”
Consider placing a bet on Fifth Force with Australian betting sites for the Ipswich race.