Bigger Eagle Farm track to help Amexed in Queensland Derby

Trainer Tony Gollan is expecting a better showing from Amexed when he steps out onto the bigger Eagle Farm track for the Group 1 $500,000 Channel Seven Queensland Derby (2400m) on June 7 after missing a place at the weekend.

Tony Gollan is expecting a better effort from Amexed on the bigger Eagle Farm  track.

Tony Gollan is expecting a better effort from Amexed on the bigger Eagle Farm track. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Amexed was sent out the $3.20 favourite but only plodded to the line when fourth to Vilanova in the Group 3 $150,000 Mullins Lawyers Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) at Doomben last Saturday.

But Gollan still has plenty of confidence in the Pentire gelding and is also hoping for a little moisture in the surface to help his chances.

“I would have liked to see him finish off a bit better, but I’m not giving up on him. I think over the road on the bigger track with a bit of give it will suit him much better,” Gollan told The Sunday Mail.

Gollan is still on a high after saddling up Spirit Of Boom and Temple Of Boom to run the quinella in last Saturday’s Group 1 $650,000 James Boag’s Premium Doomben 10000 (1350m) at Doomben and would love to win another Group 1, especially on his home track.

The former Toowoomba trainer has shot up theBrisbane training ranks since moving down the range to Eagle Farm two years ago and is on the verge of winning his first metropolitan premiership if his stable can maintain its winning momentum.

Gollan, on forty-four wins, is currently three and half wins ahead of reigning premiership winning trainer Robert Heathcote who has held the title for the last five years.

Amexed shot into Queensland Derby calculations following his win in the Group 3 $125,000 Mittys Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben on May 10 after scoring his maiden win at the Sunshine Coast at his previous start and was momentarily listed as one of the favourites with Ladbrokes.com.au.

But after Saturday’s below par effort, Amexed has slipped down to the fifth line of betting at $9 while the Chris Waller trained Vilanova has been elevated to favouritism at $5 just ahead of Sydney filly Arabian Gold at $6 and Grand Prix Stakes runner Pinstripe Lane at $7.

New Zealand filly Telepathic, who finished fifth in the Grand Prix Stakes, and last Saturday’s Randwick runner up Elusive Runner share the next line of betting at $8.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.