Nolan’s Kisukano causes boilover in $500k Jewel
On what could be the last attended feature race day for some time, it was Toowoomba that shined brightest on QTIS Jewel day on the Gold Coast.
Many were expecting short-priced favourite Rothfire ($1.20) to simply romp away with the $500k Aquis QTIS Jewel (1200m).
But Michael Nolan and his talented filly Kisukano ($7) had other ideas.
The odds-on pop was pushed hard to lead the field early in the race, with Mark du Plessis content to sit just off the pace on Kisucano.
He made his move in the straight, peeling to the centre of the course and launching a burst of speed that Rothfire couldn’t match, going on to score by two lengths.
It provided a moment to remember for Nolan and connections as the industry is predicted to enter testing times, with racing likely to enter a period without spectators on course.
“It was a great result,” Nolan said.
“We had to deal with a horse that was $1.20 and their expectations were pretty high of him. It was easy to say after the race that we beat him but in the week leading up we actually thought we were just there to run second or third.
“When there’s a shortpriced favourite in the race, you know you’ve still got a bit of work to do. When she levelled up at the 200m it was still a battle, but that last 100m was exciting.
“It’s a credit to the filly. She’s been in work a really long time and I think each time she’s gone to the races she’s done a little bit better.
“She only started in Toowoomba and that can sometimes not be strong form, but off the back of that she run second to Rothfire, came out at Doomben and won easily, and then won easily again on Saturday.
“She looks to be a really good filly going forward.”
Nolan said the two-yearold would be tipped out for a spell now, however they remain uncertain of what their goals will be for the remainder of 2020.
“She’ll go back to Stanthorpe for a spell this week coming, maybe of around four or six weeks,” he said.
“We probably won’t be a runner in the winter carnival, the races come around too quick, but once she has a spell we’ll see what way we go.
“We might save her for some of the later QTIS races or over the summer carnival.
“We’re not in a panic, we’re still enjoying the weekend.”
# AT Clifford Park, Matt Boland’s progressive gelding The Hand ($11) made it backto-back wins after taking out the Carbal Medical Services Class 1 Handicap (1300m).
The four-year-old was beaten a combined 29 lengths in his first two starts at the track, but has since found his best to score at impressive odds at Clifford Park in his last two outings.
Cecily Eaton picked up another winner, scoring by a neat length to Semaphore Girl ($3.40).