Orman chases a stakes hat-trick
Gollan has a special regard for Russell Memorial
THE Ken Russell Memorial Stakes is a much sought-after race among Queensland trainers and Tony Gollan has an extra reason to remember it.
The race is named after former top Queensland jockey Ken Russell who was killed in a race fall in Sydney in 1993.
Russell was hugely popular in Queensland and in particular at the Gold Coast where he won the jockeys premiership seven times.
Gollan won the 2010 Ken Russell Memorial for twoyear-olds with Spirit Of Boom. It sent both Gollan and Spirit Of Boom on an upward spiral towards the elite level. “It was IN-FORM jockey James Orman has a chance to win a stakes race for the third week in a row after picking up key rides for trainer Kelly Schweida at the Gold Coast today.
Orman will ride Shogun Sun (Gold Coast Guineas) and Cellargirl (Silk Stocking) for Brisbane-based Schweida.
He won the Listed Ascot Handicap on In His Stride two weeks ago at Doomben and the Listed Bracelet on Torvill at the same track last Saturday.
He followed that with a treble for trainer Toby Edmonds at Tamworth in northern NSW on Sunday including the Cup on Plucky Girl.
Schweida is a big fan of Orman. “Jim is always a hard worker and he has been in great form,” he said.
The trainer is confident both horses will run well but pointed out Cellargirl has again drawn poorly in barrier 14.
“I know a lot of people think you can sit three-deep back in the field and run on and win at the Gold Coast,” Schweida said.
“Cellargirl has been getting back in her races only because she continually draws poorly.
“In her trials and jump-outs we have been trying to ride her closer but that may have to go out the window.”
Cellargirl showed she was top class by finishing third in the Group 1 Flight Stakes at Randwick last spring behind Alizee and Champagne Cuddles.
Shogun Sun has won two trials at Doomben and Deagon recently ahead of his return.
“He is going well but this is the toughest Guineas for a while,” Schweida said. “If there is any rain about he will give them something to think about.” my first stakes win and also Spirit of Boom’s,” Gollan said.
“At his next start he ran second in the Champagne Classic to a horse of Chris Waller’s which was flying, Press Day.
“Spirit went on to win two Group 1s and his brother Temple Of Boom won one as well.
“They gave me a real kick along. So this day always brings back memories.”
Gollan will saddle Rexx ($13) and Revel ($51) in the Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) and he gives them some chance of an upset.
“They both failed at their first runs … but they are a lot better than that,’’ he said.