The competition will be stronger in Sydney but trainer Tony Gollan believes Topping has earned an interstate trip after scoring an overdue win at Doomben on Saturday.
Runner-up at his three previous starts, Topping was sent out a $1.70 favourite and gave his backers little cause for concern when he won the Eyeman Optometrists Handicap (1600m).
Gollan is keen to take Topping to Sydney for early spring staying races, buoyed by the recent success of Brave The Way, who has won his past two starts for Anthony Cummings after doing his early racing with Alan Bailey at the Gold Coast.
“There wouldn’t be much between Topping and Brave The Way up here so I wouldn’t be frightened to take this horse to Sydney,” Gollan said.
“He’s in a rich vein of form at the moment and he’s an adaptable type. Even if it’s wet down there it wouldn’t be a problem for him.”
The Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) at Rosehill on August 18 is the race Gollan will target for Topping.
Another factor which Gollan has noted is the Prelude winner also gains ballot-free entry to the Premier’s Cup (1800m) at the same track a fortnight later.
“It’s the right distance and he should get in on the minimum so it’s certainly on the radar,” he said.
“The only slight reservation I had today was that the mile would be a bit short for him. He’s really crying out for the 1800-metre and 2000-metre trips.
“There isn’t much on up here for him and I certainly think it’s a realistic target.”
Winning jockey Chris Munce was happy to settle Topping in fourth spot in the five-horse field before the gelding surged clear in the final 100m.
“A couple of others were keen to go forward in the first furlong and it worked out to my benefit when the speed was genuine,” Munce said.
Widely-travelled sprinter Too Many Reds completed a double for Gollan at Doomben when he won the McInnes Wilson Handicap (1110m).
“The dry tracks are what he’s been after and hopefully he can pick a few more races up here,” Gollan said.
“It was a good effort to carry 59 kilograms and win first up today. The way he won today I’d like to think he can win in better company getting down in the weights.”
