Tony Gollan believes in-form sprinter Garibaldi is poised to finally end a track hoodoo at Doomben.
Garibaldi has been unsuccessful in six previous attempts at Doomben but Gollan believes that form anomaly will be rectified after Saturday’s Sky Racing Plate (1200m).
“He’s in great shape and I think he can overcome the hoodoo,” Gollan said.
“We identified this race after his last win. He’s had a jump out in between and was very good in that.
“His trackwork since has been awesome.”
When acceptances were taken, Garibaldi drew barrier nine but his task has been made slightly easier with the scratchings of two runners drawn to his inside.
Gollan is hoping jockey Michael Rodd can find a position without covering extra ground before launching his finishing run.
“Michael has to try and get him in with a bit of cover somewhere midfield or worse,” Gollan said.
“The barrier might be the only tricky thing but he’ll hit the line very hard.
“He’s the best horse in the race and all he needs is even luck.”
Gollan believes it is no coincidence Garibaldi is racing in career-best form since being gelded.
“His three runs as a gelding have been fantastic,” he said.
“He’s a different horse now since being gelded. Just totally forget about his previous record.
“This is a deep class three race but that’s just the high standard of horses that race on a Saturday in Brisbane.”
Gollan is also confident talented filly Bleu Zebra can handle her first attempt at 1200 metres in the Kirin Handicap.
“I don’t think 1200 metres will bother her,” he said.
“She’s starting to relax better and really get into her groove in races.
“If she can continue to take that improvement into Saturday there’s no reason why she won’t relax mid-race.
“Georgina (Cartwright) will just work with her to make sure she gets into a good rhythm.”
Bleu Zebra is a $3.40 favourite with TAB fixed odds while Garibaldi dominates pre-post betting on his race at $2.30.
