Adebisi to silence critics

By Glenn Davis

BRISBANE, March 12 AAP - Trainer Desleigh Forster is confident Adebisi can silence his critics and book an ambitious Brisbane winter campaign in the Nestle Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.

Adebisi has been black-listed by some punters after going down twice as the heavily-backed favourite at his only two starts this campaign.

The son of Shovhog bore the biggest brunt of criticism last start when he led until the final stages before surrendering meekly to finish second to Hidden Kisses at Eagle Farm.

Jockey Shane Scriven was later berated by stewards for the manner in which he transferred the whip from his left hand in the straight.

Scriven carried the whip in his left hand from the start to avoid a repeat of the youngster's performance at his previous outing when stewards barred him for bucking.

He earned the wrath of stewards for placing the whip in his mouth while changing hands.

"I think the criticism in the papers of the horse's run has been unfair and a bit harsh," Forster said.

"After the run I didn't buy the papers because I knew they would pot him.

"He's got his share of knockers but he's drawn a good gate this time (barrier six) which will help a lot.

"In my opinion the reason he got beaten was because he was too fat but he's trimmed down a lot since then."

Forster plans to give the colt a short break after Saturday's 1110-metre assignment before aiming him for the major two-year-old races during the Brisbane winter carnival.

"Win, lose or draw he's going for a short break after tomorrow before he comes back for the winter races," she said.

"I think he can measure up to the Sires and TJ Smith."

The Group Two Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) is at Eagle Farm on June 5 with the Group One TJ Smith (1600m) a week later on the same track.

Forster won't tie Scriven down to any specific instructions but would like to see Adebisi ridden off the pace.

"I don't think he has to lead and with the good draw Shane should be able to take a sit," she said.

"Last time he was revved up out of the barriers and led by about three lengths before Shane stacked them up and then tried to sprint away."

Forster is also hopeful stablemate Topkapi Palace can return to his best form in the Jae My Holdings Plate (1615m).

The five-year-old will benefit from a three-kilogram claim for visiting Canberra apprentice Taylor Lovelock-Wiggins.

Topkapi Palace scored a brilliant win at Eagle Farm in January but like Adebisi has let his followers down with two subsequent defeats at the same track including his latest sixth to Steel Lips.

"His last ran was huge from his wide barrier," Forster said.

"He was caught five deep on the corner and never got on the track.

"He's drawn better this time (barrier four) and hopefully he can be ridden closer."

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