A lack of suitable races will result in smart Brisbane stayers Brave Ali and Amexed being given short summer campaigns.
The pair, who are both resuming, will be among four runners for trainer Tony Gollan in the Padua College Handicap (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
The duo both performed admirably during this year’s Brisbane winter carnival where Brave Ali won three races including the Ipswich Cup and Listed Tails Stakes.
Amexed showed his class by winning the Group Three Rough Habit Plate and running an unlucky fifth in the Queensland Derby.
While Saturday’s race is short of the pair’s preferred distance range, Gollan hopes it will provide a guide to their summer campaigns.
“Neither of them are eligible for the Magic Millions races which restricts what they can tackle this time in,” Gollan said.
Gollan will consider taking the pair to Sydney for the Christmas Cup and possibly the Summer Cup in December.
“But those races are coming up pretty quick,” he said.
“It is more likely they will be back in the paddock on January 1 and then come back for the autumn in Sydney and the winter carnival here.
“I think they might both be Brisbane Cup horses and there is a good chance the race will be at Doomben this year and they are both winners there.”
Gollan will also start Rocket To Glory and Gundy Son in Saturday’s race.
He says Rocket To Glory will be suited by the step up from 1200 to 1350m.
“I hope he can lead and dictate here and we will get an idea if he can run the 1400m for the Magic Millions Cup in January,” Gollan said.
Gollan has booked his No. 1 rider Tegan Harrison for Gundy Son who was a strong fourth in an open race at his last start.
