Gollan in Good Spirits for Newmarket

Spirit Of Boom hasn’t won in nearly 14 months but that doesn’t faze trainer Tony Gollan ahead of Saturday’s $1 million Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.

Spirit Of Boom will appreciate a dry track in the Newmarket Handicap. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia.

The Brisbane trainer is convinced that had luck gone the big entire’s way he would have been in the spring winner’s circle and maintains he is a strong upset chance in the Group 1 sprint.

“He had no luck all spring. If you go back and watch his replays, the only race where he really got the ideal run was in Perth where he was right at the end of a long prep,” Gollan said.

Spirit Of Boom heads into the Newmarket on the back of a fast-finishing third in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate which came after a spring where he secured five minor placings from seven starts including a third in Perth’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes.

Gollan is confident conditions will play into the five-year-old’s favour in the prestigious handicap and punters agree.

The son of Sequalo has been backed into $17 after opening at $23 in early markets.

“Conditions will definitely suit him. The weather is hot and we’ll get a nice, dry track on Saturday,” Gollan said.

“Barrier six is just about perfect. He’s got good speed around him and he should be able to get covered up straight away.”

Despite the lack of winning success in recent times, Gollan has been thrilled with Spirit Of Boom’s effort and ability to adapt to new environments.

“I’d love to see him win as he bloody deserves it,” he said.

“As a three-year-old when we took him to Sydney he didn’t travel well but he’s just matured into such a lovely horse.

“He’s got such a great temperament. You can take him anywhere.”

Spirit Of Boom is part of a three-pronged Queensland brigade taking on the southern horses. He is joined by well-backed colt Better Than Ready and 2012 Oakleigh Plate winner Woorim.

About The Author