While interstate trainers have flocked to the rich Magic Millions races in droves, local Tony Gollan is looking to play a strong hand.
Brisbane’s premier trainer, Gollan turns 37 on Sunday and is hoping to celebrate a day earlier with 16 runners at the Gold Coast.
Zelady’s Night Out
“We planned to a have a big summer and a lot of our horses have been aimed towards this day,” Gollan said.
He has chances in eight of the nine races including Zelady’s Night Out and Just Orm in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and Most Important in the Magic Millions Guineas, both worth $2 million.
Gollan had mixed luck with the barrier draw for Zelady’s Night Out (19) and Just Orm (8).
“Just Orm has just the right draw. He should be getting a nice run behind the leaders.” Gollan said.
“Zelady’s Night Out will need a bit of luck early but one thing she has great gate speed. It means she will give herself a chance to be in a nice spot on the pace.
“She showed in her McLachlan Stakes win she’s not just a one-trick pony and we have some pace outside us with Gai’s (Waterhouse) Slumber Party.”
Zelady’s Night Out has eased from second favouritism behind Capitalist and is now on the third line of betting at $11 while Just Orm is at $15.
Gollan is also expecting a good run from Most Important who was second in the Vo Rogue Plate at his most recent start two weeks ago.
“He was caught deep for most of the race but really fought on well to be beaten half a length. It topped him off nicely for the Guineas,” he said.
Classy mare Traveston Girl, who has won two stakes races over 1600m this summer, is Gollan’s hope in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares Quality.
“She is back to 1300 metres here but she is also back against her own sex,” he said.
“I have Tina Melina in the race as a wild card and she has been racing well.”
Gollan expects Fontelina to race well in the Magic Millions Cup while he will have three runners in the Magic Millions Sprint – the favourite Didntcostalot, Temple Of Boom and The Storeman.
“Didntcostalot is the one who races well fresh and he was in great form before a slight ease-up,” Gollan said.
