Tony Gollan is hoping a fast tempo will provide Spirit Of Boom every chance despite a horror barrier draw in Saturday’s Group 2 Shorts (1200m) at Randwick.

Spirit Of Boom has drawn barrier 17 for the Group 2 Shorts at Randwick on Saturday. Photo by: Steven Dowden

Gollan admitted to disappointment after the Queensland sprinter received barrier 17 but is confident he remains a genuine contender.

“It’s not what we would’ve asked for but we’re certainly not taking him to Sydney to make up the numbers. We believe we’re a live winning chance,” Gollan said.

“Obviously Rain Affair sets the pace up front and it looks like there is a bit of speed out wide as well.”

The Eagle Farm-based trainer will look to New Zealand jockey James McDonald to pilot the five-year-old into the best possible position from the tricky barrier.

“James McDonald is on for the first time and we’re confident he can find the best possible spot from that draw,” Gollan said.

“The field looks like it might spread out a bit so the aim is probably to pop over midfield three deep and hopefully find a bit of cover.”

Spirit Of Boom kicked off his spring campaign with a narrow runner-up finish to We’re Gonna Rock in the Group 3 Bobbie Lewis (1200m) at Flemington where he challenged right to the line despite finding himself running into a strong headwind without cover for the entire race.

Gollan had originally planned to keep the son of Sequalo in Melbourne for the spring but a lack of races combined with his excellent condition made the Sydney trip an opportunity too good to miss.

“His first run was terrific down the straight in Melbourne and he’s come on really well since then,” he said.

“He’s in great condition and eating up very well in Melbourne.

“Given how well he is going it would’ve been a shame to miss this opportunity on the nice Randwick track and let him go a month without racing before the Gilgai.”

Spirit Of Boom will travel to Sydney by float tonight before returning to Melbourne on Sunday to continue his spring campaign in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) on October 6.

How he performs this weekend will also decide the starting point for stablemate and sibling Temple Of Boom who will either begin his campaign in the Gilgai or Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) a week later.

“Depending how he goes will determine whether Temple goes to the Gilgai or the Schillaci,” Gollan said.

“If possible I’ll try and keep them apart.”