Trainer Tony Gollan has done a backflip and deferred a spell for two-year-old Vienna Royale with the Magic Millions Classic still in his mind.
After Vienna Royale ran fifth as a $2.25 favourite in the Hopeful Stakes (1000m) at Toowoomba, a disappointed Gollan declared he would spell the colt and geld him.
However, after watching the video replay several times and talking with various experts at Eagle Farm on Wednesday, Gollan decided to put the plans on hold.
“I know I will have to do a backflip to run him in the Millions but he is a nice two-year-old and he has pulled up well after Tuesday’s run,” Gollan said.
“The Hopeful run was nowhere near as bad a run as I first thought. He got a check in the straight when the winner shifted out.
“He probably should have finished third and before the check he was running on as well as any other runner.”
Gollan said he would wait three or four days and make up his mind on a Millions run early next week.
Vienna Royale is in the Magic Millions field on January 11 and Gollan’s decision could have a vital bearing on a start for several fringe candidates who are well in the markets.
Meanwhile, Gollan expects Gundy Son to improve sharply in the Listed Goldmarket (1300m) on Saturday.
“The Lough Neagh was his last start and they really flew up front. The Goldmarket is a lot easier,” Gollan said.