Gollan backs Barbie bounce

By Bren O'Brien

Trainer Tony Gollan is confident a gear and jockey change will make a significant difference for local hope Outback Barbie (Spirt of Boom) in Saturday's G1 Tattersall's Tiara at Eagle Farm.

Outback Barbie was scoped after her most recent start when finishing 10th in the G2 Dane Ripper S. at Eagle Farm earlier this month, with Gollan concerned about her recovery rate after a torrid run.

But while she needs a final vet clearance to be allowed to race in what is the final Group 1 of the Australian racing season on Saturday, everything is on track for her to take her place in the $500,000 feature.

"It was just bit of a lower airway problem there. We got her back to the stable and scoped her. I was bit concerned that she had such a blow out the back because she is usually such a fit mare and I was a bit disappointed in how her recovery was," Gollan told Sky Racing Radio this week.

But Gollan said her work over the past few days had given every indication that the 3-year-old had recovered.

"She's a very nice worker and a pretty nice filly really. She hasn't missed a grain in her feed tin and she worked very well Saturday morning. She was very fresh after having an easy week. She was back to where she should be this morning, just in good shape," he said.

"I am very pleased where she is at, but I was pleased with her going into the Dane Ripper, it was an unusual run for her, the way the race was run."

Gollan felt an early bump in the Dane Ripper had caused Outback Barbie to overrace, and he would remove the blinkers in order to get her to settle for Saturday's 1400m test.

He would also revert to the only jockey that has ever won on Outback Barbie, Jim Byrne, who recently returned from a long layoff.

"We'll take the blinkers off her. That will be the gear change we will make and we will throw a very familiar rider on her back in Jim Byrne, who has had a lot of success with her," Gollan said.

"She's only won the two races and Jim has ridden her more than anyone. He knows her well and knows Brisbane racing very well."

"He's been out injured. It’s good to have him back and I know she is a favourite of his and Jim will be a favourite of mine if he can get the job done on Saturday."

Gollan urged supporters of the filly to stick with her ahead of Saturday, in what will be her first run in Group 1 company against her own sex.

"I know the punters are probably getting sick of her, but I'd be fairly forgiving of her run, and I think you'll see the right filly on Saturday," he said.

Godolphin trio dominates market

Outback Barbie drew barrier one for the Tiara, while James Cummings' filly Pohutukawa (Medaglia d'Oro {USA}), squeezed her way into the field and comes out of barrier five.

Her stablemates Savatiano (Street Cry {Ire}) (15) and Multaja (Medaglia d'Oro {USA}) (13) are both drawn wider in the race. The Cummings trio are the top three in the market.

Last start winner Invincibella (I Am Invincible) drew nine, while defending champion Prompt Response (Beneteau) comes from barrier 14.

Gollan, meanwhile, holds high hopes for promising 3-year-old Vega One (Lope De Vega {Ire}) when he tackles a 3-year-old Plate over 1400m on Saturday.

Vega One has been given time off to bounce back from a difficult run when beaten in the G3 Fred Best Classic at Eagle Farm last month.

He will also have a change of jockey with Blake Shinn to take the ride.

"He's a very talented 3-year old. He's still quite raw. His best racing is ahead of him in the next 12 months. He's had a jumpout since and we've given him a month to get over that very hard run and he’ll be spot on for the weekend," he said.

Vega One will jump from barrier seven in the 10-horse field.