Tony Gollan’s assessment of his two runners in the Listed Spirit Of Boom Classic is at odds with that of bookmakers.
TAB fixed odds has rated Niedorp as the pick of Gollan’s pair at $7, ahead of Socialising ($10) while Krone, who was a $19 chance, has been scratched after drawing the outside gate.
Gollan believes Socialising, who is resuming from a spell, is the pick of his team following impressive hitouts in a barrier trial and jump out in the lead up.
“Socialising has got a bit of X-factor about her coming through her grades and if she can get that soft run just behind what will be a pretty good speed, she’ll get every chance to run on,” Gollan said.
Socialising has drawn perfectly in barrier five with Ben Thompson aboard and although listed as first emergency she is guaranteed a start following three early scratchings.
The mare arrived at Gollan’s stables from Victoria as the winner of a maiden at Donald but has blossomed in Queensland.
In five starts during the late autumn and winter for Gollan, Socialising won four of her five appearances and finished a desperately unlucky third at the Sunshine Coast.
“Her rating says she’s not well in here at set weights and penalties as a 78-rater but I think she’ll finish her career at a much higher level,” Gollan said.
“Does she need to be at this grade now? She probably doesn’t but if I get the opportunity to go for black-type or run in another class six then I’ll take the black-type.
“That’s what it’s all about with these mares.”
Gollan’s instructions to apprentice Georgina Cartwright will be simple when she is legged aboard Niedorp.
“Just put the foot to the floor out of the gates,” Gollan said.
“We intended to be more positive the other day but she stepped away a bit slow.”
Niedorp has barrier 17 on Saturday after jumping from gate 12 of 13 runners when she finished a brave second to Boomtown Lass at Doomben on November 14.
