By Glenn Davis
Talented sprinter Malvern Estate will be given a chance at redemption in next month’s Listed Goldmarket Handicap if the gelding runs up to expectations at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Malvern Estate will step up to 1400 metres for the first time in his career when he tackles the Open Handicap.
The five-year-old was having only his third run back this campaign when he showed vast improvement to finish second to the Chris Meagher-trained Divine Dice over 1200 metres at Eagle Farm on February 2.
“His last run was good and he’s going to 1400 metres for the first time,” Forster said.
Forster is hoping a gear change will improve Malvern Estate’s hopes as he bids for a seventh win in a 20-start career.
“I’ve decided to take the shades (blinkers) off him only because he’s stepping up in distance,” she said.
Forster is aiming Malvern Estate for the Listed Goldmarket Handicap (1200m) at the Gold Coast on March 16, the same day as the lucrative QTIS Jewel races for two and three-year-olds.
The big QTIS Jewel and Goldmarket Handicap meeting will be followed by the Magic Millions QTIS March sales on March 18-19.
Malvern Estate won four of his five previous starts before being beaten in a photo by Raido in last year’s Goldmarket Handicap.
“It was a bob of the head finish in last year’s Goldmarket and all going well he’s headed that way again,” Forster said.
Forster is closely watching the weather with former Cyclone Oma hovering off the southern Queensland coast but she won’t mind if any rain falls.
Malvern Estate is unbeaten in two starts on a heavy track and has a win and two placings from three attempts on soft surfaces.
“It doesn’t really bother me if it rains or not but he’s probably a better horse in the soft,” she said.
Forster hasn’t ruled out the Brisbane winter carnival with Malvern Estate if his form warrants it.
“He’s up to the winter carnival races but I’ll play it one race at a time and see what happens,” she said.
Forster also is looking for a strong showing from Kim Alicia in the Two-Year-Old Handicap (1300m).
Kim Alicia, a daughter of Mahisara, finished fifth at her only start behind Raay Of Dreams over 1200 metres at Doomben on February 9.
“She’s a nice filly and she’s going to 1300 metres for the first time,” Forster said.
“She’s been looking for further and she should run well, particularly now the favourite (Alligator Blood) is out.”
Trainer David Vandyke decided to scratch Alligator Blood, who was on trial for a trip to Sydney.
Racing Queensland webnews February 22