Gollan hopes for more Magic Millions Guineas qualifiers

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Tony Gollan will saddle up race favourite Isotope in next month’s $2 million Magic Millions Guineas but is hopeful of two more starters if the cards fall his way in the Vo Rogue Plate at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Gollan is reluctant to separate under-rated filly Starosa or promising gelding Palladas who clash in the 1400-metre Group 3 feature.

Starosa is listed as 26^th in order of entry with $136,500 to qualify for the Magic Millions Guineas over 1400 metres but Gollan is confident the daughter of Starspangledbanner will make the final cut.

“There’s a few horses above her who won’t be running and maybe the qualifying list is a bit deceptive,” Gollan said.

“Palladas is the one who has to win to make the field and he’s pretty smart and should start shorter in the markets than Starosa.”

Starosa has won three of her nine starts, including a narrow win over 1350 metres at Doomben two starts back on November 7.

She then produced an eye-catching performance storming home from last in a big field of 14 to finish fourth to Isotope in the Listed Mode Plate over 1200 metres at Doomben on December 5.

“Starosa had to go back from her wide draw last time and she ran on great,” Gollan said.

“She steps up to 1400 metres which is going to suit her a lot better but her three wins have all been at Doomben and she seems to go better there.

“I’d love to win the race with Starosa or even run a place as it’s Black-Type which would be great for her as a broodmare.”

Gollan believes there was something special about Palladas’ last start win when she trounced the Jack Duncan-trained Dzsenifer over 1400 metres at Eagle Farm on December 12.

“I didn’t think he’d be a Magic Millions horse but he’s a nice type who has kept improving,” he said.

“Palladas’ win last start was franked by Dzenifer who ran second to Chris Waller’s Kukeracha last time.

“There’s not much between my horses and the distance suits them.”

Gollan has tasted success several times on Magic Millions day but he is yet to win the Magic Millions Guineas.

His best Guineas result was with Outback Barbie who finished third to the Chris Munce-trained Boomsara in 2019.

Brad Stewart rode Starosa in the Mode Stakes but Ryan Maloney takes over for the Vo Rogue Plate while Michael Rodd has stuck with Palladas.