Forgotten Barbie to kick back in Classic

Outback Barbie has been somewhat forgotten in the lead-up to the Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic at the Gold Coast.

The filly is the Tony Gollan-trained stablemate of one of the Millions Classic favourites, Ef Troop, and has had to take a back seat to him in pre-race discussions.

Like Ef Troop, Outback Barbie is by first season sire Spirit of Boom, and could not have been more impressive in the lead-up to the $2 million race but she remains a $19 chance in most markets.

Outback Barbie ran a head second to Millions favourite Sunlight in a Gold Coast barrier trial early last month and jockey Jim Byrne felt she could have probably won.

She confirmed that form when she won her only start in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes at Doomben on December 16.

Gollan, who also trained dual Group One winner Spirit Of Boom, sent her for a short freshen-up before bringing her back for a jump-out on the Eagle Farm A grass where she finished second to Ef Troop last week.

If Outback Barbie was to shed her Cinderella tag on Saturday the least surprised person would be Gollan.

“I have said all along she was the one to have most improvement in her. If they go mad with early pace she is the one who will be running home strongly,” Gollan said.

“She has drawn well in barrier six and Jim Byrne has a big opinion of her.”

Gollan is thrilled Spirit of Boom has been an instant success as a sire.

“I got his first winner, his first black-type winner and I would obviously love to have his first Millions winner,” he said.

Gollan is already looking ahead to next year’s Magic Millions and has been active at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale this week.