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Champion jockey William Pike is quietly confident he can maintain his undefeated record on Ihts Closing Inn at Belmont on Saturday, but he does concede her barrier draw is a concern.
The Adam Durrant-trained filly will step from the widest gate in the Belmont Classic (2200m) after she was handed barrier nine in the Listed middle distance staying test.
William Pike and Ihts Closing Inn have been an irresistible force since linking up at Geraldton last April, winning five races including the past four in succession.
Two weeks ago, Pike steered Ihts Closing Inn to a Listed Belmont Oaks (2000m) victory after defeating Sesswa by ¾ of a length with Secret Attraction third.
Ihts Closing Inn has gone from strength to strength in her second campaign of racing that's 13 races old after a close third at Pinjarra in January.
"I was hoping to draw a better barrier," Pike told The Races WA.
"Pre barriers I was very happy, but 9 of 9 is going to be tricky."
TABtouch installed Ihts Closing Inn the $2.20 favourite on Wednesday. She got out to as much as $2.35, but is back into $2.25.
Upper Limits, who broke through for an overdue black-type victory in the Aquanita Stakes (2000m) for Pike, is on the second line of betting ($3.90).
Demolish and Secret Attraction, the second of Durrant's starters in the Belmont Classic, are $6.
Chris Parnham has been booked to ride, Demolish, replacing his holidaying brother Steven. The Neville Parnham-trained gelding has gate one.
With Pike opting to stick with Ihts Closing Inn in the Belmont Classic, Clint Johnston Porter will partner with Upper Limits.
The Jeremy Easthope-trained gelding has drawn barrier five.
Pike says Demolish and Upper Limits are the dangers to Ihts Closing Inn in the Belmont Classic.
"Upper Limits and Demolish are dangers to my horse," Pike said.
"I think Demolish will improve third up after placings in the Belmont Guineas (1600m) and Aquanita Stakes.
"He might have a little bit of improvement.
"Upper Limits proved he could tap into his potential in the Aquanita Stakes.
"I'm very happy with my decision to ride Ihts Closing Inn, she's a fantastic chance.
"But I was definitely more bullish about my chances before I'd seen the barriers.
"It would be nice if we could pinch one last one with her, it will definitely be the hardest one."
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