By Jordan Gerrans
With the stable still on a high from Zaaki’s record breaking Hollindale Stakes performance, assistant trainer Todd Pollard thinks last-start winner Addriel could surprise many and be competitive in black-type company on Saturday.
The Annabel Neasham-trained star gelding - Zaaki - become the first ever galloper to win three straight Group 2 Hollindale Stakes’ on Saturday afternoon at the Sunshine Coast.
It is a busy time for the Brisbane arm of the powerful Neasham barn, which Pollard manages, as the Sydney team send up high-level runners for the Queensland carnival period.
Zaaki has remained in the Sunshine State as he searches for the Doomben Cup of 2023 next Saturday.
In the meantime, the team have other runners aiming to be competitive in stakes races and Pollard is eager to see Addriel on the big stage on Saturday.
The son of Irish stallion Harry Angel was dominant in provincial grade last Saturday at Ipswich, blowing his opponents away by more than four lengths in just his second race day appearance.
Addriel steps up to the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic on Saturday as the carnival turns to Doomben and Pollard believes he deserves a chance in the higher company.
“It is probably a throw at the stumps but he was impressive on Saturday,” Pollard said.
“I hope he can show he is up to stakes grade but he is going to have to be at his very best.
“We did not expect him to win as well as what he did but he justified the short quote.
“He is going well so he deserves his chance on Saturday.
“It was a soft win on Saturday and we looked through the calendar and this was the only stakes race that was suitable over 1200 metres for a horse like him.
“He will need to be at his best but if he could run top three in a race like this – that would be great for the owners.”
Addriel was unlucky not to get the money on debut at the Sunshine Coast last month and punters were keen on the two-year-old in his second appearance as he was crunched in betting late.
Pollard anticipates Addriel will improve as a three-year-old after a spell.
He could stay in work for another run during the carnival following Saturday but the assistant trainer notes that spell might also be on the cards.
Addriel has been rubbing shoulders with stable big gun Zaaki over the last week.
For the majority of the year, the Sydney stable of Neasham houses the stars of the team but for a few weeks through the autumn and winter, they come north to the Sunshine State.
Pollard and the rest of the Queensland staff relish having a hands-on role with a genuine star of Australian racing.
“It is really special to have a horse like Zaaki come up, we obviously work all year round but it is nice at this time of year to have a horse like him,” Pollard said.
“You pinch yourself at times as you can take it for granted having a horse like him, he has been such a good horse for the stable for the last two years as he keeps winning.