Gollan Hoping Rain Stays Away Before T.J. Smith Stakes

Tony Gollan is thrilled with the condition of Spirit Of Boom ahead of the 2014 T.J. Smith Stakes, but the leading Queensland trainer is desperate for rain to stay away in the lead-up to the Group 1 event at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Michael Rodd is chasing another Group 1 victory on Spirit Of Boom in the 2014 T.J. Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick this weekend.

Michael Rodd is chasing another Group 1 victory on Spirit Of Boom in the 2014 T.J. Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick this weekend. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Spirit Of Boom has been in tremendous form since starting his autumn preparation, finishing second in both the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) before winning the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m), and goes into the T.J. Smith Stakes as a genuine winning chance, but Gollan believes that the Sequalo entire will be unable to perform at his best if the Randwick track is affected by rain this weekend.

“Like a lot of trainers we’re just hoping for a drier track,” Gollan told TVN.

“Anything in the dead range or better would be ideal, but if the track is heavy it would seriously diminish our chances.”

Spirit Of Boom has not been seen at the races since he recorded his maiden win at Group 1 level in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on March 21, but Gollan said that the six-year-old had trained on strongly and worked impressive at Warwick Farm this morning.

“We’ve had three weeks between runs which is perfect for him,” Gollan said.

“His work at Warwick Farm this morning was terrific and he got through the ground OK.

“The horse feels great and Michael Rodd will ride him again.”

Temple Of Boom was also included in the nominations for the T.J. Smith Stakes, but Gollan confirmed that the veteran sprinter would not contest the race after producing disappointing performances in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 29 and the Group 3 Sebring Stakes (1200m) last weekend.

Gollan said that Temple Of Boom would return to Brisbane today and spend a brief stint in the paddock before returning to his stable to being preparations for races like the Group 1 BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben on May 10, the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) at Doomben on May 24 and the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 7.

Spirit Of Boom is currently available at 2014 T.J. Smith Stakes odds of $16; with Lankan Rupee ($3.50) remaining a clear favourite from Buffering ($5.50), Zoustar ($8), Gordon Lord Byron ($8) and Rebel Dane ($10).

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.