Veteran sprinter I’m A Rippa has bounced back from a hoof injury which ruined his Magic Millions day and is ready for his next assignment at Doomben.
I’m A Rippa had been building up to the QTIS Magic Millions race on January 11, which he won in 2019, when disaster struck on race day.
Trainer Tony Gollan said in all the drama of Magic Millions day this year I’m A Rippa’s accident was almost forgotten.
An oil tanker overturned on the main route to the Gold Coast causing traffic delays.
“He was caught up in the traffic problems with the highway crash on the way to the Gold Coast and then pulled a plate and stabbed his hoof once he got to the track,” Gollan said.
“It was a pity because we gave him a real chance of defending his title.”
Gollan has given I’m A Rippa time to get over the injury and sees Saturday’s Members at Tattersall’s Open (1200m) as ideal.
“He has had a jump-out and his work has been sound so he looks ready to race,” Gollan said.
“But whether he has reached the end of his tether this time we will see on Saturday.
“But if he races well he can push on to the Goldmarket at the Gold Coast in a fortnight.”
As the winner of $1.2 million, I’m A Rippa has more than earned his top weight of 60.5kg but apprentice Stephanie Thornton will claim 1.5 kg.
“Five of his eight wins have been at Doomben so waiting for racing to get back there might be the right move,” Gollan said.
The trainer will also have former Victorian galloper Invincible Al in the Open Handicap.
“We also have the Goldmarket in mind for him but it is over 1300 metres which might be a touch too far for him,” Gollan said.
“But his last-start time at Eagle Farm was good so if he can repeat that on Saturday we will head to the Goldmarket with him.”
Gollan won the 2018 Goldmarket with Raido for owner Joe O’Neill who also races Invincible Al.
The stable’s top sprinter Zoustyle won a trial by 4-1/2 lengths this week to confirm a trip to Sydney for the Group Three Maurice McCarten Stakes on March 14.
“His preparation so far has gone to plan and he appears over the throat infection which put him out of the spring,” Gollan said.
Zoustyle has won six of his nine starts but is yet to score an interstate victory.
