3 minute read

Trainer Tony Gollan could be in for a good day at Doomben on Saturday with a strong team headed by smart three-year-old Ef Troop.

The gelding looks well placed at class six level after apprentice Baylee Nothdurft's 2kg claim in the Bottle-O Handicap over 1110 metres.

A former stakes-winning juvenile, Ef Troop has been racing well this preparation and kicked off with a win at this course over 1200m three starts back.

He was brave again last time when he led and fought on strongly for a half-length second at Ipswich, returning a rating that puts him clear of this field.

Ef Troop is a Doomben specialist with all three career wins having come at this course and he has only once been beaten here when runner up.

He has recorded a win and placing from two attempts at this distance and if he performs up to his best he should have too much class for these.

Gollan's capable sprinter Tokoriki Lad has found a race to suit in the Beach House One Metro Win handicap over 1350m.

He produced an eye catcher last start when running on strongly from near-last to finish only two lengths away at Eadgle Farm.

This distance range is his favourite having produced all of his wins and placings and he gets Jim Byrne in the saddle.

Tokoriki Lad has been getting well back from wide draws of late but has much better gate this time so Byrne should be able to position him in a striking position.

BRISBANE BEST

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 8 #2 Ef Troop @ $3.40

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 7 #7 Tokoriki Lad @ $2.70