Ef Troop will go into the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a strong endorsement from trainer Tony Gollan after he demolished the field in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes at Doomben
Starting favourite Ef Troop ($2.10) made it two wins from two starts when he gave a display of sustained sped to beat Crockett ($3.20) by 5- 1/4 lengths in a race which is a traditional lead-up to the Millions Classic on January 13.
Sydney colt Commissioner was a further 6-1/4 lengths back in third.
A son of first season sire Spirit of Boom, Ef Troop is now an outright $5.50 favourite in most markets for the Millions.
Gollan was quick to declare Ef Troop the best early-season two-year-old he had ever trained.
“Yes, he is by far the best. He is a very good colt,” Gollan said.
“He had an easy trial but I was really happy with the way he worked on the course proper here on Wednesday,” Gollan said.
“He will not have another race start leading into the Millions but we have the option of a trial before the race.”
Ef Troop has taken his prize money to $128,700 which has more than returned the $70,000 which was given for him as a yearling.
Winning jockey Matt McGillivray gave up key rides in Sydney to stay in Brisbane to ride Ef Troop.
“I have always had great faith in this horse and he is very smart,” McGillivray said.
Tony McEvoy, who trains Crockett, was another who is an Ef Troop fan.
“That will give my bloke enough to get into the Millions but the winner is very smart.” he said.
