Fifth Force gets another chance at Ipswich

Trainer Billy Healey has offered a more forgiving assessment of Fifth Force's recent performance, and the gelding is presented with an opportunity to improve at Ipswich this Thursday.

During his last outing over 1600m at Sunshine Coast on September 27, Fifth Force found himself short of racing room in the home straight but still managed to finish with purpose for third.

The gelding's next start is in the Fouchard Racing Benchmark 62 Handicap over 1680m, where he will jump from barrier 10, a draw that can be navigated with sufficient 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."

Archie McColm, the apprentice jockey who claimed three kilograms, is set to retain the ride. McColm, who began his riding career in April, will ensure Fifth Force carries only 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."

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