Sunnycoast to make debut for McColm

By Glenn Davis

Northern Rivers trainer David McColm admits the jury is out whether former gun Central Queenslander Sunnycoast can make a successful debut for the stable at Doomben on Saturday.

Sunnycoast was transferred from Rockhampton trainer Jamie McConachy about four months ago with a view to qualifying for The Kosciuszko at Randwick in October.

To be eligible for the $2 million feature, a horse needs to be stabled with a NSW country trainer for 12 months.

While long range plans are aimed at The Kosciuszko, McColm is hoping Sunnycoast can book a start in the $500,000 QTIS Jewel Final for three-year-olds at the Gold Coast next month.

The son of Sebring Sun launches his bid in the QTIS Jewel Prelude over 1110 metres, in what will be his first start since winning against his own age at Mackay in late August.

Under McConachy, Sunnycoast started six times for four wins including claiming the Pallarenda Stakes on debut in Townsville in 2022 before scoring in last year’s Capricornia Yearling Sale Classic at Rockhampton in April last year.

“I’ve had him for about five months after his owners at Graceville Thoroughbreds contacted me,” McColm said.

“They had watched Far Too Easy run quite a few times and they thought Sunnycoast would fit in well around this area and be eligible for The Kosciuszko.

“He’s been with me long enough now to be eligible for The Kosciuszko as it’s not run until October if he goes that way.”

The McColm-trained Far Too Easy has raced in the past two The Kosciuszko’s, finishing second in his first attempt before a game third last year behind the Matthew Dale-trained Front Page.

“Sunnycoast came to me with good form from Central Queensland, but I’ll wait and see how he progresses after this run before getting too carried away,” McColm said.

“He’s a lovely horse to deal with us and has done well in the stable since he’s been with me.

“He’s had two barrier trials which were good but they weren’t brilliant.

“This race on Saturday will give me a good guide to where we’ll go with him, but he’ll have to run well to run in the QTIS Jewel Final.”

McColm expects Sunnycoast will be competitive and has booked apprentice Bailey Wheeler to partner the three-year-old.

Meanwhile, McColm is pleased with the steady progress Far Too Easy is making ahead of his campaign for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.

“He had three weeks out in the paddock after his fourth in the Magic Millions Cup and he’s been back in work for about two weeks,” McColm said.