Toowoomba trainer Michael Nolan has no regrets about missing the Bernborough Handicap with Jumbo Prince and says the horse remains on track for a rich pay day.
Nolan had originally planned to run Jumbo Prince in Saturday’s 1600m-Listed race at Doomben as a lead-up to the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (1800m) on January 9.
However, he decided to by pass the Bernborough and go to an open Quality race over 1800m at the Gold Coast a week later.
Jumbo Prince will carry 57kg in Saturday’s race which is part of the State of Origin jockeys’ series.
Jim Byrne, representing Queensland, will ride the four-year-old.
Nolan said Jumbo Prince had been hampered by the way races were being run at Doomben.
“He also had a run of bad barriers which meant he had to go back,” Nolan said.
“They were running those races at a slow pace early and then sprinting the last 600 metres in 33.5 (seconds).”
“It is impossible for the back markers to catch them. Jumbo Prince ran a slashing time for his final 600 metres in the Brisbane Handicap and many people said it was the run of the day.”
“But he still finished only fifth,” he said.
Nolan emphasised he was not whingeing about the Doomben track.
“They have done a fantastic job with it as it has a huge workload,” he said.
“It is where we have to race with Eagle Farm closed and that is it.
“But Jumbo Prince isn’t the only horse missing Eagle Farm and 1800 metre races.”
Jumbo Prince ran third in the Group One Queensland Derby in June.
He has had one run on the Gold Coast track for a win at 1800m earlier this year.
“At least we know he can handle the track down there which is an advantage,” Nolan said.
