Rejuvenated sprinter Didntcostalot can help trainer Tony Gollan put a week he’d rather forget behind him.
Last Saturday a float carrying four of Gollan’s best horses was involved in a road accident on the Bruce Highway on the way to the Sunshine Coast races.
The horses escaped with superficial injuries and their handlers were also lucky to emerge relatively unscathed.
“Last week wasn’t the best but I am over that and ready for the winter carnival to start in earnest,” Gollan said.
Didntcostalot and Fontelina will carry Gollan’s hopes in the Group Two Victory Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.
But Brisbane’s premier trainer admits the two will have to be at their best to beat a small but classy field which includes dual Group One placegetter Fell Swoop.
“I won the Victory Stakes with Temple of Boom two years ago and he beat a class field. This year is no different,” Gollan said.
Originally trained in Sydney by Marc Conners, Didntcostalot has had seven starts for Gollan recording four wins and two minor placings.
“I have set Didntcostalot for the Victory Stakes since his last start in January when he was a good sixth in the Magic Millions Sprint,” Gollan said.
“He ran 1.8.17 seconds when he won the George Moore Stakes at his previous start and that is a very smart time.
“If he gets anywhere near that time on Saturday they will be flying to catch him.”
Fontelina, another former Sydneysider, is having his first start since finishing unplaced in the Magic Millions Cup on January 9 after winning the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes at Doomben at his previous start.
“This is a nice race for Fontelina to start his winter campaign. I think there are some good races for him later in the carnival,” Gollan said.
“They might be a bit sharp for him on Saturday but he is going along nicely.”
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au