Eagle Farm trainer Tony Gollan hopes he never again hears the word “unlucky” associated with his filly Outback Barbie.
She is aiming to be the second three-year-old filly and the fifth of her age to win the 2019 Kingsford Smith Cup when she tackles older sprinters in the Group One race at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
It is hard to remember a Queensland-trained horse which has had so much bad luck in her races.
Anyone who doubts it needs only to read the stewards reports from Outback Barbie’s 12 race starts.
In 10 of those races stewards noted she either struck trouble or had difficulty obtaining a clear run.
Outback Barbie’s record reads 12 starts for two wins and five minor placings, producing $653,000 in prize money.
However, her thirds in the Magic Millions 2Y0 Classic and Magic Millions Guineas were both unlucky efforts which means she could have easily won more than $2 million.
Gollan does not want to dwell on past bad luck and would rather be looking forward.
“That’s racing and it is what it is so we can ‘t change things,” Gollan said.
However, he takes heart for Saturday’s race from Outback Barbie’s fifth in the Group One Doomben 10,000 at her first run in the winter.
Her jockey Jeff Lloyd was suspended after Outback Barbie was involved in a scrimmage about 100m from the line.
Lloyd has appealed the suspension and will ride Outback Barbie on Saturday.
Gollan said it was hard to say where Outback Barbie would have finished if not for the incident.
“Whether she would have finished in the first three we will never know. But she should have finished closer that is for sure and the run showed she is up to the class,” Gollan said.
Outback Barbie, who is owned by Central Queensland’s Acton family, is already a valuable broodmare prospect.
But Gollan would dearly like to add to that value with a Group One win.
“I don’t think she would be a certainty to get into the Stradbroke but I also don’t think she would be out of place,” he said.
“She is by Spirit Of Boom and he and his brother Temple O Boom raced well without winning in the Stradbroke.
“We will get a better idea of her chances of a Stradbroke start after Saturday and after first acceptances next week.”
“She is also entered for the Tatts Tiara and that is another race which will suit her.”
