Tony Gollan turns to Blake Shinn in bid to win Stradbroke Handicap golden ticket
Blake Shinn and Tony Gollan combined for an exhilarating Group 1 triumph last weekend and they will hopefully unite again for another major mission at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Racing's dream team of Blake Shinn and Tony Gollan could be back in business for another major mission on Saturday.
A week after Antino was a Group 1 Doomben Cup destroyer, the superstar Victorian jockey has been booked for a bid to try to qualify a progressive Gollan three-year-old for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
However, there is a hurdle with Shinn on Tuesday revealing he had sustained a minor injury and would take a step back from riding engagements in coming days.
But he will do everything possible to be riding at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
• Racenet iQ members get full access to our Pro Tips service, where Greg Polson and our team of professional punters provide daily tips with fully transparent return on investment statistics. SUBSCRIBE NOW and start punting like a pro!
Apprentice Emily Lang, who leads the Brisbane jockeys' premiership race by eight wins, has ridden Boomtown Boss in his last three starts and has ridden the gelding to all four of his career wins.
Boomtown Boss also provided a huge moment in Lang's young career when she secured her first Stakes winner, riding him to score in the Listed Daybreak Lover in April.
But Shinn, assuming he is fit, gets the job on Saturday as a Stradbroke Handicap golden ticket is offered up for the winner of the Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm. — Blake Shinn (@blake_shinn) May 27, 2025
• 'He'll be competitive': Bosustow weighted to win Straddie
Boomtown Boss had been a winning machine before a wide barrier and stretching out to the 1600m of the Group 2 Queensland Guineas found him out last start.
Gollan thinks back to 1400m is a key and he revealed he would love to give Boomtown Boss a shot at Queensland's most prestigious race.
'Absolutely, I would love to run him in the Stradbroke if he won on Saturday and pulled up well,' Gollan said.
'In the Guineas, he drew wide and went wider on a day where it was a disadvantage to do that.
'A mile was the outer limits of his distance range, for sure, but he is back to the sweet spot of his distance range.
'The 1400(m) at Eagle Farm looks ideal for him. He looks well placed in what is going to be a good race.
'He is a work in progress and he is still doing a fair bit wrong.'
• 'Mixed emotions': Collett will head back home to New Zealand
In TAB's all-in betting market ahead of the Fred Best Classic barrier draw on Wednesday, Boomtown Boss is a $13 chance.
Hype horse Angel Capital, which will have his first start for Chris Waller since being transferred from Clinton McDonald, is the $3.60 favourite.
Meanwhile, Gollan indicated it was onwards and upwards for Antino after his blockbuster Group 1 win last Saturday.
Antino was allotted 58kg when the Stradbroke Handicap weights were revealed on Monday, but he has been sent for a spell with a Cox Plate spring mission now the priority.
Antino is on the second line of Cox Plate betting at $8, with Via Sistina the $2.50 favourite.
Renowned ratings guru Daniel O'Sullivan said of Antino's Doomben Cup romp: 'He clearly stamped himself as the second-best horse in the country (behind Via Sistina). All going well, it shapes as a blockbuster clash between the two in this year's G1 WFA Cox Plate.'
• NZ greyhounds launch High Court challenge over ban
Gollan said on Tuesday: 'Antino has pulled up great, although he was a bit tired Saturday night after the run which is understandable when you run track record pace.
'He will have a short break, maybe three weeks off, and then we will probably kick him off in the Memsie Stakes.
'What happened last Saturday has definitely sunk in now.
'It's now all about planning for the next mission.'
Originally published as Tony Gollan turns to Blake Shinn in bid to win Stradbroke Handicap golden ticket with Boomtown Boss in Fred Best Classic Horse Racing
Giga Kick's trainer Clayton Douglas has given a telling insight into his champion horse after giving him a spin around Eagle Farm ahead of the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup. Horse Racing
The fields and barrier draws for Saturday's Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup and Queensland Derby have been released.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opens Seven Network's new Melbourne HQ
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially opened Seven's brand new, state-of-the-art Melbourne headquarters in one of the CBD's hottest locations. The opening, on Wednesday night, saw the launch of Seven's entire Melbourne operation at the stunning Melbourne Quarter Tower in Collins Street. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Sport and Communications Minister Anika Wells, Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes AC, SGH managing director and CEO Ryan Stokes AO and Seven West Media managing director and CEO Jeff Howard were also on hand for the opening. 'Seven is part of the fabric of Australian life — informing us, entertaining us, and helping shape the national conversation,' Mr Albanese said. 'This new purpose-built Melbourne headquarters is a major investment in the future of Australian media. It's not just a home for journalism and unforgettable sporting moments, but also a symbol of innovation and ambition. 'Congratulations to everyone involved. From suburbs to stadiums, Seven continues to play an ongoing role in telling our stories. And this world-class facility makes sure Melbourne remains at the heart of it.' Ms Allan praised the studio as one that would be home to 'those who tell the stories of our city and State'. 'Whether it's footy, breaking news or the moments that bring us together — they'll be told from Australia's sports and major events capital — here in the heart of Melbourne.' Mr Stokes said the new Melbourne headquarters was 'more than just a state-of-the-art facility'. 'It's a reflection of the city's important role in our national sporting and media landscape, and our commitment to delivering world-class content to all Australians,' he said. 'Every day and night, millions of Australians watch Seven, both on free to air television and on 7plus. They trust us to deliver the breaking news events and the unmissable sporting moments that matter most to them. Our new Melbourne studio strengthens our ability to tell those stories with even greater impact and in more innovative ways.' The centre incorporates 52km of cable and more than 190 screens. Inside the studio a digital IP-based television facility, full HD LED based news set and large-scale sports control room make it one of the most technologically advanced broadcasting centres in the country. Mr Howard said it represented 'a significant investment in both our people and our technology, ensuring we continue to deliver the very best content to our viewers now and into the future'. Seven Melbourne's managing director and Victorian sales director Peter Charles said the headquarters wasn't just a workplace, it was a 'hub of innovation and collaboration that is already seeing our teams work together in exciting new ways'.
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Portsea Polo set to return to Point Nepean in 2026 as part of global
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News. The Portsea Polo is making a comeback with a new format and high end vibe that could see superyachts moored alongside the arena. After a five year hiatus the event is returning to Point Nepean on February 14, 2026 as part of F3Polo which debuts in Sydney's Centennial Park in November. F3Polo is a contemporary twist on the traditional sport made famous by the royals and is designed to make the game faster and bring spectators closer to the action. Each team has three players instead of four, the rules are simplified and the chukkas (or quarters) are shorter. Early bird tickets to the event went on sale on Tuesday much to the surprise of Portsea resident and long time polo fan Rod North. 'It's the best kept secret in Portsea at the moment,' he said. 'No one seems to know it's back on and if they do they are being very hush hush about it. 'In any case it's exciting for Portsea and very good news for local businesses.' Mr North, who has been attending polo matches since the 1980s, said the 2026 event appeared to cater for a 'well-heeled crowd'. 'The organisers are offering moorings for spectators wanting to travel to the event by boat,' he said. 'I wouldn't be surprised if we had some superyachts turn up.' Those without a boat but holding VIP or private marquee tickets could also buy a car park for the day near the event at Jarman Oval for $100. Sorrento Chamber of Commerce president Krysten Le Marshall said the 'game of princes' would put the peninsula 'on the map' globally. 'The F3Polo has a global route including Singapore and New York and for Portsea to be included is such a coup,' Ms Le Marshall said. 'It's an elevated version of the old Portsea Polo and there will be plenty of flow on benefits for Sorrento with spectators coming here for after parties and to overnight.' Mr North said the event had changed a lot since his early days at Portsea Polo when he took the car and had a picnic from the boot. 'Now, unless you want to stand all day or sprint for the first come first served lawn furniture in the VIP area, you'll have buy a table for ten on the VIP Terrace for almost $3500 or pay $730.75 for a solo ticket to a private marquee,' he said.
Daily Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Gosford, Ballina previews: Golden Smile seeks redemption
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Imported mare Golden Smile faced a stiff challenge when she stepped up to city company last start but trainer Kris Lees looks to have found an ideal race back in provincial company Golden Smile placed in her first three starts this campaign before breaking through with a big all-the-way win in a Newcastle Maiden on a Heavy 10 over 1890m before stepping up to a Benchmark 64 on the Kensington 11 days later when fifth to Rotagilla over 1800m. 'She was very good in winning but the wet track may have aided her,' said Lees. 'It was a big jump going to town last start and coming back a little in distance could have been detrimental to her. 'Going up to 2100 metres this week looks a nice option for her. 'She is still going to get a winter track this week and she seems to be in good order.' The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! The daughter of Sea The Stars drops back to a Class 1 and Maiden Plate and steps up to 2100m. 'This looks a nice race for her. A bit of a gap between runs may suit her as well being a European-bred mare,' he said. Lightly-raced three-year-old Hawker Hall kicked off his campaign with a three-and-a-half length win over 900m on his home track on April 23 and wasn't seen on raceday again until May 26 when fifth to Prima Bella on a Heavy 10 over the same track and distance. He steps up to 1100m this week in the Class 1 Handicap with Jason Collett back on board. 'We wanted to find the right track and run him at home again,' Lees said. 'The other day, it might have just been a bit too heavy for him. 'He's a big, heavy horse and he does like a bit of cut in the ground but not really testing like it was. 'It was just a bit waterlogged that track and made a bit of hard work for him. 'He might be better suited now getting out over just a little bit further to get a more controlled run (in front).' Lees has been pleased with the form of Surreal I Am in Queensland this preparation where he has won two of his three starts and feels he deserves a chance back in New South Wales. The gelding lines up in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) where he will make his presence felt. 'His two wins on the Sunshine Coast were on the polytrack but that said, I can't fault him at home,' he said. 'He will be a place chance.' Joining him in that race is Oakfield Mamselle who is resuming from a spell. While she has a win and a second from three first-up runs, Lees feels she will be improved by this run. 'She seems to be coming up well. Her trials were only fair but her work since has been pleasing,' he said. Lees' other runner for the meeting is Enchanted World in the opening race, the 2&3YO Maiden Handicap (1100m). The daughter of Ardrossan debuted on her home track on May 26 where she settled last and came between runners in the straight to finish a three-and-a-quarter length second behind Pratt. 'She was okay on debut and will appreciate stepping up a little in trip,' said Lees. Lees also has Denuto and Irish Thunder running at Ballina and feels they will be competitive in their respective assignments. 'Denuto hasn't been far away and is close to getting a result. Hopefully he can break through,' he said. 'Irish Thunder ran well first-up. He just got hampered a little. 'He has improved from that and should run well.' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ The week started well for trainer Scott Henley when stable star Volcanic Love trialled stylishly at Grafton and he hopes it can end on a high note with a winning double. Henley was pleased when the meeting originally set for Lismore was moved to Ballina when his promising filly Confederate Lady races so well. The three-year-old had her first three starts at the track where she recorded an impressive maiden win over 1012m at just her second career start and placed in her other two runs at the venue. 'I'm definitely not disappointed they moved the meeting to Ballina. She loves the joint,' said Henley. Since resuming with a close third in a Class 1 on a Heavy 10 at Ballina on April 8, Confederate Lady has finished third behind the promising Seymour Stars at Port Macquarie and an unlucky fourth to Takemine at Inverell. 'She was just a gallop short going into that run because we'd had plenty of rain up here and couldn't get her tied right down. 'Then she ran into a good horse at Port Macquarie. 'Last start she got back further than we expected and was a bit stiff. The daughter of Supido is out to add to her record when she steps out in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m) where she has drawn barrier 15 although she will come in after scratchings. 'I had her in a couple of Class 1 races that were washed out and the only available race at the next meeting has been a Benchmark 58,' he said. 'Each time in those Class 1s, to my way of thinking, she was a good thing. 'In the (benchmark) 58s, we go from a good thing to just a chance. 'From a wide gate this week, she is just a good chance with luck in running.' Henley has been pleased with the two runs of former Victorian three-year-old Zouandme and gives him a good chance in the Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1000m). The gelding raced on a hot speed when seventh at Grafton first-up before being beaten just over a length when sixth at Inverell. 'He has those two runs,' he said. 'He was big in condition first-up and had a good blow after the race. 'He improved a fair bit off that going into the race at Inverell and has come on nicely since then. 'The only reservation I have is the very heavy track.'
