By Glenn Davis
Premier trainer Tony Gollan is hopeful talented colt Garibaldi can stake a claim for the winter races when the three-year-old makes his comeback at Doomben on Saturday.
Dual acceptor Garibaldi was one of three Gollan runners in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1110m) but will run in the Class Three Plate over the same trip.
The Move and Super Boom will now represent the Gollan stable in the QTIS Three-Year-Old while Garibaldi clashes with last start winner Niedorp in the Class Three Plate (1110m).
“I’ve decided to split our three-year-olds as best as possible as they all could head to the winter,” Gollan said.
Garibaldi is on the comeback trail after a leg injury ended his Melbourne spring campaign when he failed in the Listed Poseidon Stakes at Flemington in October.
“He’s a good horse who has done all his racing at carnivals in Brisbane last winter and in Melbourne late year,” Gollan said.
“He had a few issues last preparation, one of which was in Melbourne when he hurt his fetlock.
“We weren’t sure what was wrong at the time so we sent him to the Ballarat vet clinic which found a fetlock issue.
“Luckily, he didn’t need surgery and just needed time which we’ve given him.”
Garibaldi, a son of super sire I Am Invincible, was knocked down for $475,000 at the Magic Millions yearling sales in 2018.
He still has a long way to recoup his purchase price with his current prizemoney earnings just short of $100,000 with one win from eight starts.
“He’s coming along really well and is ready to race after having a barrier trial and a couple of jump outs,” Gollan said.
Gollan is yet to formulate winter plans for Garibaldi who was placed in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Strakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm before failing in the Group 1 J J Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm last winter.
“I want to get tomorrow’s race out of the way first but there’s plenty of suitable races coming up for him,” Gollan said.
Gollan also is expecting another strong showing from Niedorp who was a first-up winner over 1050 metres at Doomben two weeks ago.
“Niedorp is a nice filly who has done well since she won last start and there’s plenty of options coming up for her as well,” Gollan said.
Gollan was reluctant to separate The Move and Sugar Boom in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap.
“They’re both going well and should get good runs,” he said.
The Move won his maiden at the Sunshine Coast in December and is coming off a last start second against his own age at Doomben on April 4.
Sugar Boom has won four of her eight starts and has won two barrier trials since failing in the Listed Nudgee Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm in December.
Racing Queensland webnews April 17