“We are going to meet a lot of the horses we met at Caloundra six or seven kilograms better, that is going to help us.
“We need to improve a few lengths fitness wise, we think we can do that.
“We are going to the 3YO as we went to the 2YO, we are not expecting to win the race, but we expect to run well.”
The special Jewel triumph in 2020 was a long-term plan from Nolan and his Stanthorpe-based owners.
He trained Kiss for Gran, who in Nolan’s own words was a bit slow, having five starts for just one minor placing.
The owners, led by Peter and Robbie Reeves, among others, decided to breed Kiss for Gran – eventually with Bel Esprit – which became Kisukano.
And, as Kiss for Gran was no world-beater, Nolan did not expect too much from her daughter.
But, when she eventually turned up at his barn, he noticed she was a good type with plenty of upside after not going through the sales.
These days, he refers to her as just a magnificent filly, who has grown again this preparation and just tries her best whenever she is on the racetrack.
For Nolan, who has been in Toowoomba for 30 years training, the Reeves’ and their other owners helped establish his training career all those decades ago.
So, to provide them with a big-time race like the QTIS Jewel last year, it had an even deeper meaning and significance.
Those connections have had plenty of horses together over the years, most slow but some decent ones, but the Stanthorpe crew found themselves a very nice one with the three-year-old winner of just over $700,000 in career stakes.
“It was probably the biggest thrill that lot of owners have ever had,” Nolan recounted.
“It was one of the biggest thrills I have had as well, just the fact that it surprised us because we beat Rob’s good horse.
“We are never going to forget our first Jewel.”
Nolan believes the QTIS scheme, which provides bonuses for Queensland bred horses who can prevail in the Sunshine State, helps keep owners in the game for longer, potentially buying another yearling or two.
“The QTIS money in Queensland, I would say that has kept me afloat at times during the year,” he said.
“We have been lucky enough to win a two year old or three year old race in town.
“You get the big bonus money and off the back of that your owners are very happy and appreciative of that kind of money.”
The QTIS Jewel day will be headlined by the $500,000 QTIS Jewel 2YO and 3YO races, as well as the Listed ATC Trophy, on Saturday afternoon.