Photo credit: Mike Mills
By Jordan Gerrans
Townsville trainer Georgie Holt will consider a long trip to the Gold Coast for Jewel day if one of her two chances can book their ticket at Cluden Park on Friday afternoon.
The Holt team are led by trainer Georgie and husband Aidan, who rides all the stables work after a stop-start career in the saddle following weight concerns.
Aidan has had a few comebacks over the last few years, headlined by partnering the All Star Mile-bound The Harrovian (pictured) to three wins in 2020, but weight has got the better of him over the last few months.
Team Holt has two chances in Friday’s QTIS Jewel Qualifier 2YO Plate (1200m) with the winner securing entry into next month’s big one at Aquis Park.
Georgie and Aidan have discussed the prospect of travelling to the Gold Coast, if either of Gossiping Girl or Anniemariah can get the cash at Townsville Turf Club on Friday.
“We are coming down for the sales anyway and thought we might chuck one of them onboard too and come down,” Georgie said.
“I do not know what we would do if we won on Friday, we would need to have a chat to the owners and let them decide.”
Holt, like many in the north of the state, have to think long and hard about heading to Jewel day if they are to qualify with the standard such a steep rise.
“You look at a horse like The Odyssey who won it a couple of times, who is still going on and going great now,” Holt said.
“It is a big step up from Townsville to Jewel day, obviously.”
Anniemariah is still a maiden filly but has put in two encouraging runs to begin her career, finishing third on debut before only going down by less than a length earlier this month.
Spill The Beans filly Gossiping Girl broke through last month at Townsville and followed that up with another strong effort three weeks ago, going down in a photo finish.
Only three of the eight starters in Friday’s Jewel Qualifier have won a race, with Holt hopeful she has a winning chance in her yard.
“Gossiping Girl’s will to win outweighs her ability, she is a real trier,” Holt said.
“She is not very big, but she just wants to have a go.
“The other one has more ability but is still getting going in her first few preparations.
“She needed the run next week ahead of this.”
With the way Townsville’s surface has been playing of late, Holt is desperate for her duo to be in the leading trio, believing it has been difficult to make ground in races over the last month or so.
She noted they both have good gate speed so they should be able to lead or sit behind the leaders.