Gollan Confident in Lough Neagh Stakes Prospects

Leading Queensland trainer Tony Gollan saddled the trifecta in Saturday’s featured George Moore Stakes at Doomben, and is confident the hit-out figures as the ideal final point of call for placegetters Gundy Spirit and Fontelina ahead of the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1350m) in a fortnight.

Fontelina will progress to the Lough Neagh Stakes in a fortnight after placing in Saturday's George Moore Stakes. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Fontelina will progress to the Lough Neagh Stakes in a fortnight after placing in Saturday’s George Moore Stakes. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Considered a race outsider in jumping at $21 odds, Gundy Spirit was settled mid-field in the George Moore Stakes; receiving a good run in transit before producing a keen turn of foot in the final straight to make up some ground on the runaway Didntcostalot to finish second.

Gollan was pleased with the Jet Spur gelding’s performance and is confident he is primed for success in the Lough Neagh Stakes, providing the Doomben track remains unaffected by rain.

“He was really good, it was just going to be a little short for him, particularly chasing a horse like Didntcostalot,” Gollan told Racing Ahead.

“He is looking for the 1350m but he was well ridden by Luke Tarrant and will be a nice horse for a race in a fortnight’s time, provided we get dry tracks.

“He’s come through his normal self, is nice and bright and in good order.”

Fontelina has been a strong and consistent black type performer since first appearing on course competitively for Anthony Cummings in 2012, and has continued to improve through his three starts for Gollan since being transferred to his care following a lacklustre winter campaign this year.

“Third-up at the 1200m, often he’s looking for a little bit further and I just thought the way the race was run floored his chances,” Gollan said.

“He was off the bridle a fair way from home and the speed the winner was going had him out of his comfort zone early.

“He was able to rally late, he did get a little kick back and a minor black eye but he’s come through well now and he’ll be the right horse for a fortnight’s time too.”

George Moore Stakes winner Didntcostalot has been confirmed to return to the paddock for a brief freshen up ahead of the Magic Millions Sprint (1100m) on the Gold Coast on January 9th.

Nominations for the 2015 Lough Neagh Stakes are due by Monday, December 7th while a final field and barrier draw is scheduled to be completed a released by midday, Wednesday (December 9th).

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.