Trainer Michael Nolan keen to make mark on summer carnival

By Glenn Davis

Toowoomba trainer Michael Nolan is hopeful of grabbing some summer carnival black-type action with talented mare Kisukano at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Leading Queensland trainer Tony Gollan has been the major player in Queensland Summer Carnivals in recent years and has continued the trend this year winning the Listed Keith Noud Stakes with Tambo’s Mate and Swiss Ace Plate with Zoustyle.

Gollan has a strong hand with four starters – including boom filly Miami Fleiss - in the Listed Eureka Stud Classic over 1200 metres but Nolan hopes to cause another feature upset with Kisukano.

Kisukano returns to the Gold Coast where she caused a major boil over downing hot favourite Rothfire on a soft track in the QTIS Jewel for two-year-old's two years ago.

A four-year-old daughter of Bel Esprit, Kisukano has done all her racing in Queensland and Nolan marvels at the fact that she is closing in on $1 million in earnings.

Kisukano has started 18 times for seven wins and six placings and has $847,500 in prize money.

A win on Saturday will lift her earnings to $923,250.

Nolan has been one of Queensland’s top trainers since he won the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 in 1999 with Laurie’s Lottery, who also won Group races in Sydney.

Kisukano made an impressive return to racing when a gallant third behind Kylease at Eagle Farm on November 2.

She is already stakes placed after her third-placed finish in the Gold Coast Stakes in May and a win would be a further boost to her broodmare value.

“Her first-up run was very good. She muffed the start and had to make up a lot of ground and it was a very good field that day,” Nolan said.

“She’s won a 900 metre jump out since and her work has been great.

“She’ll go to the Gold Coast a very fit and well horse.”

Nolan is concerned with the recent rain deluge and drawing barrier three.

“She can handle a heavy track but I’d much prefer her on top of the ground,” he said.

“She’s won on a heavy but she also was well beaten on a heavy in the QTIS Jewel as a three-year-old.

“Drawing barrier three is a bit of a worry as it’s like quicksand on the insides at the Gold Coast on a heavy track.”

Kisukano is not eligible for the Magic Millions and will continue to target fillies and mare’s race during the summer months.

Nolan rates Miami Fleiss, who is on the comeback trail after winning four of her six starts, and the Kris Lees-trained ‘s Wandabaa as the main dangers to Kisukano.