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Gollan to continue summer domination

10 December 2018

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By Glenn Davis

Premier Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan is again playing a leading role in this year’s TAB Summer Carnival and will be chasing more lucrative spoils at Doomben on Saturday.

Gollan has already won four Stakes races this summer and will have a strong hand in three of the five Listed races at Doomben.

Gollan has nominated Most Important, I’m A Rippa and Gold Symphony for the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1350m) and Zoustyle, Outback Barbie and Shamurt in the Listed Gold Edition Plate (1200m).

While he has no runners in the Listed Bribie Handicap (1050m) and Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1200m), he will have Country Cocktail line up in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1200m).

Gollan had a slow start to the season but has hit to top gear in recent weeks and currently leads the Brisbane trainers’ premiership with 37 wins, 12 wins clear of nearest rival Rob Heathcote.

Gollan won the first leg of the TAB Summer Crown sprinter series when I’m A Rippa beat stablemate Most Important in the Group 3 George Moore Stakes at Doomben on December 1.

Most Important, who won the Listed Keith Noud Stakes at his third attempt at Doomben last month, is attempting a hat-trick of wins in the Lough Neagh Stakes after claiming the feature in 2016 and 2017.

Gollan is delighted with Most Important and I’m A Rippa and expects a better performance from former Sydney sprinter Gold Symphony, who is having her second start for the stable after departing the Team Snowden stable.

“There’s a forecast for rain towards the end of the week which is a bit of a concern for Most Important and I’m A Rippa but it won’t worry Gold Symphony or Zoustyle if it comes,” Gollan said.

“Most Important and I’m A Rippa both pulled up well after their last runs.

“Both are on the right path this summer for their main assignments.

“I’m A Rippa got a better run than Most Important in the George Moore and I’m expecting both to run very well again.

“But this is a much harder race to win for both on their ratings.

“The barriers and weather will play a big part.”

Most Important and I’m A Rippa are set to clash again in two weeks in the Listed The Buffering (1350m) at Doomben before the gala Magic Millions day at the Gold Coast next month.

Meanwhile Gollan will delay a decision about starting Outback Barbie against Zoustyle until later in the week when the weather picture will become clearer.

Outback Barbie bounced back to her best form winning the Listed Mode Plate last start while Zoustyle stretched his unbeaten run to four when successful at Doomben on December 1.

“Outback Barbie is getting ready for the Magic Millions and she doesn’t have to run this week,” Gollan said.

“Zoustyle has come through his last win in fine shape and I’ll decide after he runs on Saturday what to do with him next."

Racing Queensland webnews    December 11