By Glenn Davis
Trainer Tony Gollan has been a dominant player in recent summer carnivals and is confident it will continue when Outback Barbie spearheads the stable’s three-pronged attack on the Group 3 George Moore Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.
Gollan has won three of the past four George Moore Stakes and is hopeful either Outback Barbie, I’m A Rippa or Natch can continue his success rate.
Gollan won his first George Moore Stakes with Didntcostalot in 2015 before Most Important claimed the feature the following year.
I’m A Rippa gave Gollan his third George Moore Stakes victory last year.
Gollan trifected the George Moore Stakes in 2015 with Didntcostalot, Fontelina and Gundy Spirit and quinelled the race with I’m A Rippa and Most Important last year.
Gollan, a six-times winner of the Brisbane trainers’ premiership, said all three had improved since their latest appearances.
Outback Barbie produced a brilliant first-up win and vindicated Gollan’s decision not to send her south for the spring when she easily won the Listed Keith Noud Stakes at Doomben on November 9.
It was her first start since failing in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm in June but she indicated a strong first-up showing was on the cards following two barrier trial wins ahead of her return.
I’m A Rippa led the Keith Noud Stakes field until the final stages before being collared by Outback Barbie and runner-up Tambo’s Mate, who franked the form by winning the Listed Recognition Stakes at Doomben last week.
“There’s not a lot between Outback Barbie and I’m A Rippa while Natch is looking for this race to get to a Listed race in three weeks,” Gollan said.
“Both Outback Barbie and I’m A Rippa have pleased me since their last runs.
“Outback Barbie fires up and races best when she’s fresh but the second-up hoodoo doesn’t concern me with her.
“Three weeks between runs is ideal before she goes on to The Gateway in three weeks time and then the Magic Millions.”
The $250,000 The Gateway is a new 1400-metre race at Eagle Farm on December 14 which carries a ballot exemption for next year’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
Outback Barbie is eligible for the Magic Millions Cup, the Fillies and Mares’ race and the QTIS race but Gollan is no closer to deciding her target.
Gollan is hopeful I’m A Rippa can go close to repeating last year’s win in the George Moore Stakes.
“He’s a big improver when he runs second up and he’s going well,” he said.
“It’s a hard race again and there’s always a lot of dangers.”
Racing Queensland webnews November 27