American muscle powering Run The Gauntlet

By Josh Spasaro

Ella Cole likes the size and strength that late champion US sire Sh Avatar passes down to his progeny, and Run The Gauntlet is no exception.

The 32.5kg black dog drew box five for the Open-level feature over 710 metres at Q2 Parklands on Thursday night.

He takes four wins from eight starts this preparation into this week’s staying assignment.

“He’s a real powerful dog with big shoulders and he just keeps grinding away,” Cole said.

“When I was in New Zealand, we had a lot of good dogs by Sh Avatar. I really like the dog as a sire.

“We’ve had a lot of strong dogs from him. I guess he produces a lot of strength in his dogs, which is good.”

Super League is another dog by Sh Avatar who is doing well for Cole’s North Booval operation, with 21 wins from 50 starts, prevailing in his past three races.

Run The Gauntlet has 16 victories from 56 starts, including at Group 3 level when he saluted by two-and-half lengths in the Past Members Trophy Final over 642 metres at Q1 Lakeside last Thursday night.

He used his size and strength well to push through the field after he was fourth at the turn for home, following a slow jump from box three.

“I knew he was the strongest in the field. It was just a matter of where he would sit because I knew how slow early he was,” Cole said. 

“When he was four or five off them down the back, I thought he was a good chance to run over the top of them.”

That victory was part of a treble for Cole last week, with In The Jungle and Super League also saluting for the 24-year-old trainer.

“That was pretty cool, especially being three city wins. I think I’ve only ever managed to get one city win on the night, but three was pretty cool,” she said.

Cole’s mother, Lisa, trained Run The Gauntlet’s dam Jilliby Litsa in New Zealand.

“She came from Australia from Scott Eaton after not chasing. We got her going and unfortunately she got injured,” Cole said.

“Otherwise, she probably would’ve gone onto run further, like 600 metres. She was a real strong bitch.

“I know a couple in the litter were strong.”

With the form Run The Gauntlet is in, Cole will look at some staying options over the Golden Greys Summer Carnival.

“I’ll see what 700 and 640-metre races are coming up for him. I think 600 metres is too short, but the 640 on the one-turn is good for him,” she said.

Cole arrived in South East Queensland from New Zealand in July last year, and the young conditioner has thoroughly enjoyed her time in the Sunshine State.

“I learned a bit off Tony Apap and I helped him out,” she said. 

“Then I met Pat Mulrine my partner and I moved in with him. We started training the dogs together.

“I love it over here and I wish I moved over sooner. The racing is next-level and the money is so good as well.

“There are so many options for dogs and it’s a lot more professional than New Zealand.”

A visibly emotional Cole celebrated her first Group win in Australia when Highway Princess took out the Dashing Corsair at Q1 Lakeside on June 4, in just her first 12 months as a trainer.

She is also enjoying the small team of dogs that she mentors. 

“It’s really good. We’re on a house block. Pat’s got a few of his and I’ve got a few of mine,” she said.

“We have a small team and we just keep ticking away. Pat’s dad Andrew Mulrine has some as well.”