Spirit Of Boom impresses in lead up to William Reid Stakes

Queensland sprinter Spirit Of Boom has impressed track watchers in the lead up to the Group 1 $400,000 Hacer Group William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley tonight.

Spirit Of Boom is chasing first Group 1 win in William Reid Stakes.

Spirit Of Boom is chasing first Group 1 win in William Reid Stakes. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

Flemington trackman Warren Huntly reported that Spirit Of Boom looked in top condition as he rounded off his preparation for the William Reid with a solid work out over 1000m on Tuesday morning.

“Spirit Of Boom has held his condition well since his fast finishing second behind Lankan Rupee in the Newmarket Handicap and the Tony Gollan trained son of Sequallo heads to Moonee Valley tonight at the top of his game,” Huntly wrote in his Sportsman’s column today.

Eagle Farm trainer Tony Gollan sent Spirit Of Boom out to gallop over 1000m and Huntly clocked the six year old running the distance in 1.8.22, completing the final 400m in 23.96s.

Gollan was happy with the workout as Spirit Of Boom strives to win his first Group 1 after being placed on four occasions including seconds to Lankan Rupee at his last two outings in the Group 1 $400,000 Sportingbet Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 22 and the Group 1 $1m Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8.

“He has progressed really well,” Gollan told Racing Ahead.

“I don’t know if he is better than what he was Newmarket day, but he is certainly no worse.

“He has trained on terrific and the horse will present an absolute picture on Friday night.

“He has just been really good all prep; he is nice and settled in his work and just doing everything that we ask of him.

“In seasons gone by, being a stallion, he could be a bit aggressive in his work, but this preparation he has been absolutely faultless.”

Spirit Of Boom has drawn a bit awkwardly at eight in the ten horse William Reid Stakes field and will probably settle in the second half of the field for Michael Rodd who was also aboard last start when second at Flemington.

The Mick Price trained Samaready will jump from gate one with Craig Newitt and has been posted the $4 favourite with Ladbrokes.com.au in a very open betting race.

Price and Newitt are hoping for a better effort from the Group 1 winning mare after she was well beaten as favourite when sixth in the Newmarket Handicap and are hoping she can return to the form that saw her win the Group 1 $450,000 Programmed Moir Stakes (1200m) over this course and distance in the Spring.

2013 Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress hasn’t been far away at his two runs this Autumn and is next in the betting at $5 just ahead of the David Hayes trained Gregers and last start Group 2 Surround Stakes winner Thump at $5.50.

Spirit Of Boom is also in the mix and is currently a $6.50 chance.

Ladbrokes.com.au not only offer the best odds for your fancy, but have the Ladbrokes Card which gives you quick access to your money shortly after you back a winner at any ATM and via EFTPOS outlets.

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.