Spirit Of Boom finally shook the monkey from his back to claim a well deserved Group 1 win in the William Reid Stakes on Friday night at Moonee Valley.
But, trainer Tony Gollan endured a roller-coaster emotional ride as he first thought he’d won then lost the Group 1 before the judge found the narrowest margin in his favor ahead of Fontellina.
After seconds behind Lankan Rupee in the Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap, Spirit Of Boom secured his first Group 1 success.
Golan will now give Spirit Of Boom the chance to again take on Lankan Rupee in the $2.5 million TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 12.
He said the plan is to take Spirit Of Boom back to his home State for races like the BTC Cup in early May.
“It’s amazing, he’s given us a great ride for a long time,” Golan said.
“It is really deserving he won a Group 1, I’m so relieved. He was always going to be a stallion and tonight seals the deal.”
Spirit Of Boom, a $5.50 chance, had a short half head to spare from the desperately unlucky Fontellina, $16, which was denied a clear run at a crucial stage inside the 150 metres.
Fontellina surged late when clear, but was cruelly denied a Group 1.
Unpretentious, $26, ran a career best to be a half neck away third with Gregers, $8, a close-up fourth with Shamexpress, $5, not far away fifth.
Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner, $15, ran home strongly to finish seventh while Samaready worked hard to retain rails advantage, but punctured to finish ninth.
– Racing Network
