A Group 1 victory on his home turf will be the icing on the cake for trainer Tony Gollan if either of the “Boom Brothers” win the BTC Cup at Doomben on Saturday.
Gollan has won at the highest level with half brothers Temple Of Boom (2012 The Galaxy) and Spirit Of Boom (William Reid Stakes) but is still chasing his first Group 1 win in Queensland.
Gollan claimed his biggest win on home soil with Temple Of Boom in the Group 2 Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm on April 26.
The seven-year-old just edged out his stablemate, Spirit Of Boom, to win the 1200-metres feature by a half neck.
Gollan was elated with Temple Of Boom’s victory then capped off a huge month by marrying his fiancée, Jane Ormsby, at Eagle Farm last Saturday.
Gollan had mixed luck in the BTC Cup barrier draw with Temple Of Boom drawing the rails while Spirit Of Boom will jump from barrier seven.
Favourite Buffering drew gate three while the Gerald Ryan-trained pair Snitzerland and Hot Snitzel drew six and eight respectively with fellow Sydney visitor Tiger Tees in two.
Apprentice Tegan Harrison will get her chance to win her first Group 1 after Gollan retained her for Temple Of Boom while Michael Rodd will be reunited with Spirit Of Boom following their Group 1 William Reid Stakes triumph at Moonee Valley in March.
The Victory Stakes was the biggest win of Harrison’s short career.
“I’m happy with barrier one for Temple and it will give Tegan a lot easier ride than having to sit three deep as she did in the Victory Stakes,” Gollan said.
Gollan is excited about the prospect of winning at elite level in his home State.
“It would be a dream come true for a Queenslander like me,” Gollan said.
“I’ve won Group 1’s in the south and it would be fantastic to do it at home.
“The thrill is fantastic but it would mean that much more to win one at home.”
Gollan has both bases covered with his pair should predicted rain fall later this week.
“The prospect of rain will suit Temple and it enhances his chances,” Gollan said.
“I’m confident on any surface with Temple but Spirit needs a firm track.
“They are both better than what they were going into the Victory Stakes but I really can’t split them.”
– Racing Queensland
