The booking of in-form apprentice Stephanie Thornton is expected to be the key to Just Orm breaking his open company duck at the Sunshine Coast.
Thornton will claim 1.5kg on Just Orm bringing his weight down to 52.5kg in Saturday’s Coastal BMW Open (1000m).
It is arguably the most competitive race on the card but trainer Tony Gollan believes Thornton’s claim gives Just Orm the opportunity to win in open company.
Just Orm was considered good enough as a two-year-old to run in the Magic Millions Classic although he was unplaced.
Four seasons later, the six-year-old gelding has won six races but has earned the tag of an under-achiever.
“He just seems to struggle when he gets into open company,” Gollan said.
“But he trialled well after a spell and his first-up fourth was solid. He had 58 kilograms in that race so it is a big drop in weight on Saturday.”
Gollan said he would not normally be over-confident Just Orm could beat some of the favourites in the race.
“But Just Orm has won twice at the track and distance and he has barrier one on Saturday. He should get a good run with cover,” he said.
Gollan nominated four of his team for the Listed Sunshine Coast Cup but accepted with only Silvera and Snitch.
“Silvera is probably my best hope but I am not writing off Snitch,” Gollan said.
“Forget his last start when we rode him too close. His other form is handy and he does like the Sunshine Coast.
“And if you look at his form you will see he wasn’t far off them in some of the Listed races in the winter.
“He is long odds but don’t be shocked if he runs a big race.”
