Premier trainer Tony Gollan was the pin-up boy with the female members of his family when Just Orm won the Coastline BMW X1 Handicap at the Sunshine Coast.
Gollan’s decision to book apprentice Stephanie Thornton proved a master stroke as Just Orm ($13) charged home to beat a strong field of sprinters over 1000m.
It was Just Orm’s seventh career win and he has always promised to win a good race without delivering in top company.
Thornton, who made it a double for the day, claimed 1.5kg meaning Just Orm carried 52.5 kg – 5.5kg less than at his previous start in a restricted-class race.
Gollan is in New Zealand for the Karaka Sales but was quickly on the phone after Just Orm’s race to discuss the win.
“I have always liked Just Orm from the day I bought him for $45,000 at the Magic Millions Sales and has now won about $330,000 in prizemoney,” Gollan said.
“I thought enough of him to run him in the Magic Millions Classic as a two-year-old and we have tried him in some handy races.
“But the light weight made a big difference and the fast early pace suited him today.
“My wife Jane, sister Zoe and mother-in-law Helena are in the horse so I will be popular when I get home.”
Gollan said Just Orm was best around distances of 1000m to 1100m on a big track.
“There isn’t much for him at the moment so I might give him a break and get him back for the Queensland Lightning in the winter,” he said.
Thornton, who earlier won on The Great Boombino, said the fast early pace and being able to get to the crown of the track in the straight had been a big help.
Dale Smith said Sharpe Hussler ($27), who rattled home for second, was near a win while Robbie Fradd believed Guard of Honour ($10) was also holding his form well.
The favourites Spurcraft and Tarzan shared the lead into straight but tired.
Apprentice Baylee Nothdurft felt weight was starting to catch up with Tarzan while apprentice Adin Thompson said Spurcraft was disappointing.
