Tony Gollan-trained pair ready for Millions

Trainer Tony Gollan’s Ef Troop is rated a leading chance in the Magic Millions Classic but Brisbane’s premier trainer also has a big opinion of Outback Barbie.

Ef Troop will run in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes and Outback Barbie in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes at Doomben on Saturday as a lead up to the $2 million Classic at the Gold Coast on January 13.

Both trialled at the Gold Coast last week and in the wash-up of Ef Troop’s easy win the performance of Outback Barbie was somewhat overlooked.

Ef TRoop won his trial by 20 lengths and Outback Barbie finished a head second in her heat behind Sunlight.

Gollan was happy with Ef Troop’s trial but didn’t think it was much of a guide to anything.

“There were a couple of scratchings and it ended up a three-horse trial. I would have liked something to have been able to go with him because we have been a trying to get him to settle in his races,” Gollan said.

“We have put a lot of work into it and he is starting to learn. But he was so far in front early it took a while to get him travelling on the bit.”

A winner at Doomben last month, Ef Troop needs only to pick up minor place money in the Phelan Ready to assure himself a start in the Classic.

Outback Barbie, who like Ef Troop is by first season sire Spirit Of Boom, will need to win.

She has had a jump-out and a trial in preparation for her debut on Saturday.

“Of the two she is one that has really pleased me since the trial. They ran fast time in her trial and put nine lengths on the others,” Gollan said.

“Sunlight is smart and it gave us a good idea of where we are at with Outback Barbie.”