GOLDEN SLIPPER

A DECADE on from Queensland’s most recent win in the Golden Slipper, trainer Tony Gollan is excited to be back for a second crack at the race, declaring his runner Vincere Volare at the top of her game.

Gollan had Ef Troop run in the race last year but he failed to handle the soft conditions and faded out of the finish.

Vincere Volare comes off a tough last-start third to Godolphin duo Tenley and Exhilarates in the Reisling Stakes, which was her first defeat after two easy wins in Brisbane.

“I’m very excited to have another runner in the Slipper,” Gollan said. “We earmarked her early in the season.

“She showed us above average ability from her very first start and from that moment on she was always on a Slipper path. I have no excuses to offer.

“Her preparation has been faultless. She’s in really good shape and will present a healthy horse.”

It took Queensland 45 years to win its maiden Golden Slipper, when Calaway Gal won for Bruce Brown in 2002.

Seven years later, roughie Phelan Ready won for Queensland legend Bruce McLachlan, who trained the gelding in partnership with his son Jason.

Since then, Military Rose (11th) started favourite for Gold Coaster Gillian Heinrich in 2010 before the Toby Edmonds-trained Houtzen (fifth) was also sent out the public elect in 2017.

Stu Kendrick’s Doubtfilly was fourth in 2012 and Oakleigh Girl ran sixth in 2014 for Danny Bougoure.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Cosmic Force was last night the $4.60 Slipper favourite with Ladbrokes.

Vincere Volare was rated a $34 chance in the $3.5 million race.