Gollan seeks a Gateway to the Stradbroke

By Glenn Davis

Champion trainer Tony Gollan will be peering into the future when he launches a massive attack on The Gateway at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Gollan accepted with seven runners for the $250,000 feature which is restricted to four-year-olds and carries a coveted pathway into the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap next year.

Spearheading Gollan’s attack is Freedom Rally and Count Da Beans who are backed-up by Sunset Soiree, Deer Trail, Warby, Standing Order and John Rambo.

Gollan has won the last 10 Brisbane trainers’ premierships and looks set for another title with 52 wins, well clear of nearest rival Chris Waller on 25 wins.

Gollan has narrowed down his best hopes to Freedom Rally and Count Da Beans who are having their second runs this campaign.

Freedom Rally returned from a Rosehill start in August with a fast finishing second in a 1200 metre Class 6 Plate at the Sunshine Coast on November 18 while Count Da Beans flew home for fourth in the same race.

“It’s a decent race with four or five chances this year,” Gollan said.

“Freedom Rally was very good first-up but from his alley he will have to get back and be running on.

“Count Da Beans effort was terrific first-up and he’s looking for 1400 metres.

“Unfortunately, Count Da Beans has never won on a good track but he’s going well and I couldn’t be happier with him.”

Gollan won the inaugural The Gateway with former star Vega One in 2019 and last year with Tick Tock Queen.

This year participants have an added incentive to clinch a ballot free entry into the Stradbroke.

Racing Queensland “win and you’re in” condition has been complemented with a new innovation this year allowing connections to negotiate to designate their Stradbroke slot to another horse nominated in the top 40 order of entry if they so choose. 

Gollan has praised the latest innovation for The Gateway.

“It’s definitely become a talking point but I think it’s okay,” Gollan said.

“If a horse has an issue around Stradbroke time it’ll be up to the owners what they do with their slot.

“It’s added a lot of intrigue and interest and is a very unique concept.”

Gollan is chasing his maiden Stradbroke win after several attempts.

Gollan’s Tick Tock Queen finished eighth in last year’s Stradbroke, which was won by the Joe Pride-trained Think About It, while his best efforts have been with Temple Of Boom and Vega One who finished second in 2014 and 2021 respectively.