Lord Belvedere Draws Ideal Brisbane Cup Gate

Stepping up to 3200m for the first time, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Lord Belvedere (Archipenko-Dianlerette, by Green Desert) has drawn barrier three in the seven-horse field for the $400,000 Gr2 Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm, in what appears to be an ideal gate for the eight-time winner. Unlucky two starts back when trapped extremely wide at the Gold Coast over 1800m, the Highclere Racing Australia owned gelding was once again out of luck last time out when finishing just over three lengths from Spirit Ridge (Nathaniel) in the Gr3 Premier's Cup (2400m) a fortnight ago. When attempting to go between two runners, Lord Belvedere and jockey Jye McNeil found trouble and were forced to ease back, eventually working home well to indicate that the distance of Saturday's race should be right up his alley. With a win at 2600m coupled with a third placing over 2800m, Lord Belvedere comes into the race with four solid runs under his belt and ,with the race favourite Rondinella (Ocean Park-Our Valpolicella, by Red Ransom) finishing one position ahead of him last time when they clashed, it all points towards a very forward showing from him, especially with last season's Gr1 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey sticking with him.