Trainer Robbie Griffiths is prepared to overlook an inconclusive leadup run and remains optimistic that Beltrois can get the job done in The Goodwood at Morphettville on Sunday.Griffiths was hoping that the Pink Ribbon Cup (1200m) at Caulfield two weeks ago would give him a guide on Beltrois' Goodwood chances but he came away from the race no wiser after the gelding got hopelessly pocketed and finished 13th."The run was really inconclusive," Griffiths said."When they finish so far back you can't
Trainer Robbie Griffiths is prepared to overlook an inconclusive leadup run and remains optimistic that Beltrois can get the job done in The Goodwood at Morphettville on Sunday.
Griffiths was hoping that the Pink Ribbon Cup (1200m) at Caulfield two weeks ago would give him a guide on Beltrois' Goodwood chances but he came away from the race no wiser after the gelding got hopelessly pocketed and finished 13th.
"The run was really inconclusive," Griffiths said.
"When they finish so far back you can't say they should have won but he would have been in the finish for sure.
"He never got a whiff of a chance. The only way he was going to get out of the pocket was with a helicopter."
Beltrois has been specifically aimed at the Goodwood (1200m) since last summer when he was second to Royal Ida in the Group Three Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington and won the Listed L T Cleary Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
The Pink Ribbon was only his second run this campaign after an encouraging third behind Definitely Ready and Al's Best Mate at Caulfield on April 3.
"His first-up run was really good and his work has been good so I wouldn't let his unplaced run deter people from following him," Griffiths said.
Beltrois remains one of TAB Sportsbet's top fancies for the Goodwood at $10 behind highly promising sprinter Catapulted from the Mark Kavanagh yard, who is the $3.20 favourite, and Velocitea at $7.
A winner of seven of his 11 starts, Catapulted stormed into this campaign with a stunning 2-1/2 length victory in the traditional Goodwood leadup, the Group Three McKay Stakes (1100m).
Boardwalk Angel (1989) was the last of five horses to land the McKay-Goodwood double in the same year.
The others were Lord Galaxy (1986), Comaida Boy (1979), Wise Virgin (1973) and Grey John (1969).
Kavanagh said Catapulted had earned his place in the Group One feature and expected he would be competitive.
"It is a set weight and penalties race so he is up the top end of the weight scale (55.5kg) but he has done well," Kavanagh said.
"He has got a pretty good record so we will see how we go."