PREMIER Queensland trainer Tony Gollan’s ongoing search for his first victory in the time-honoured Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood Handicap got off to a rocky start at today’s public barrier draw.
The former Toowoomba trainer has launched a three-pronged attack on Saturday’s $150,000 Listed Clifford Park sprint. Tony’s frustrating hunt for a maiden Weetwood victory rests this year with Garibaldi (barrier 14), Ef Troop (9) and Mass Destruction (17).
It wasn’t the ideal start Tony and his connections would have been looking for in the countdown to Saturday’s event. But the stable trio is sure to retain plenty of race-day support.
Clifford Park bookie Pat Kynoch rates last-start Gold Coast Goldmarket winner Garibaldi in his top bracket of Weetwood hopes.
“The draw is not ideal for Garibaldi but he can still get cover in the race and come home strongly,” Pat said following the draw at Toowoomba Turf Club.
“I still think he’s one of Tony’s best-ever chances in the race.”
Classy Sydney sprinter Flying Crazy is expected to run the Weetwood favourite. The Listed Daybreak Lover and Luskin Star winner drew ideally in gate four for trainers Gerald Ryan and Stirling Alexiou with Brad Stewart to ride.
“I had Flying Crazy at $8 in early markets but he’s into $5 now. He will be the favourite.”
Pat is also guarded on the chances of Murwillumbah-trained gelding Greyworm.
“I like Greyworm on his Grafton run for fourth in the Ramornie Handicap and I give him a good place chance,” Pat said.
The veteran Clifford Park bookie expects to post an open TAB Toowoomba Cup market following today’s 14-horse field barrier draw.
“The cup is a very open race. Nothing really jumps out at me at this stage.
“Tony Gollan’s runner Aussie Nugget will have friends.
“I lean a bit to Seat Of Power over the 2000 metres.
“Honourable Spirit from the John Smerdon stable is another I’ve got a lot of respect for.
“But I think I’ll try to sit on Seat Of Power.”
A LINK to Darling Downs racing history was lost last week with the death of former Toowoomba trainer Tom Doyle.
Thomas Sydney Doyle died in Brisbane at the age of 92 years.
Tom trained alongside his father Con Doyle at their Torrington training complex during the 1960s.
His feature wins included the 1956 Weetwood Handicap with Chestnut King and 1960 Stradbroke with Wallgar.
Tom also won the 1961 Carnival Of Flowers Sprint at Clifford Park with Bank Stock.
By Glen McCullough
