Red Chase ready for step up in distance

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Desleigh Forster believes a step up in distance has come at the right time for Red Chase in the Open Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.

Red Chase has found the Lindsay Hatch-trained Jadentom too strong at his past two starts over 1200 metres but expects a better performance over 1350 metres.

The five-year-old was having his first start since completing a hat-trick of restricted grades wins during the winter when a close second behind Jadentom in the Listed Weetwood Handicap at Toowoomba last month.

He then found Jadentom too strong when third, beaten just over three lengths, in a 1200-metre Open sprint at Doomben on October 10.

Forster was happy with both performances but believes the son of Red Element is looking for further ground.

“His run in the Weetwood was very good but his second-up run was only fair and I expected a better run," she said.

“I can’t fault him and I think he’ll be better over 1350 metres.”

Forster is undecided on Red Chase’s immediate future, which could include the summer carnival and Magic Millions at the Gold Coast in January.

“The Magic Millions is still a fair way off and I want to get this race out of the way first before I look at the summer,” Forster said.

“Saturday’s race won’t be easy as there’s some good horses he’s up against.”

Red Chase has started 28 times for seven wins and eight placings, and is a five-times winner in 11 attempts over 1350 metres.

In latest TAB markets, Red Chase is third favourite at $4.40 behind $3.40 favourite Desert Lord and Emerald Kingdom at $3.80.

Trainer David Vandyke was happy with Desert Lord’s last run when third behind north Queensland star The Harrovian over 1400 metres at Eagle Farm on October 3.

“He’s going well and if he gets the right run, he’ll be very competitive,” Vandyke said.

“His last run was okay and I thought he could win at the top of the straight.

“I’m not sure where he’ll run next and I’ll see how he goes tomorrow first before deciding his next run.”