Outback Barbie to launch Straddie bid
SPEEDY mare Outback Barbie will kick off her winter carnival campaign this weekend when she joins talented stablemate Vega One on their quest towards the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
Premier Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan is eagerly waiting today’s barrier draw for both runners, who will feature in the 1200m BRC Sprint at Doomben on Saturday. It comes as the Gollan stable prepares to aim five horses at next month’s Stradbroke at Eagle Farm as part of the revised Queensland winter carnival program.
Outback Barbie will vie with stablemates Krone, Niedorp and Silvera for a spot in Brisbane’s premier sprint on June 6.
Vega One – an $11 chance for the Stradbroke Handicap in early Ladbrokes betting – is already assured of a start after taking out the ballot-free The Gateway in December.
Outback Barbie will be first-up from a 14-week spell and a win in the BRC Sprint will earn her an exemption from the Stradbroke Handicap ballot.
Gollan said he was confident in Outback Barbie’s ability at the Doomben track.
“She’s had a good preparation and this has always been a kick-off point for her, this date,” he said. “Even with the revised carnival, it hasn’t changed what I’ve done with her.
“It was always the same track and trip we were getting set for.
“If we can draw good in the barriers (today), she’s a really live chance in the race.”
Despite several changes to the winter calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic, Gollan admitted little had changed in his preparation for both Outback Barbie and Vega One.
On Monday, the nominations for both the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap and the JJ Atkins were released, with several runners from the powerful Godolphin stable eyeing off the premier race.
Godolphin has nominated last year’s winner Trekking, Deprive, Phaistos, Kementari, Best Of Days, Exhilarates, Haunted, Ranier and Savatiano.