La Bella Boom has secured her place in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic after an impressive win in the Gold Pearl at the Sunshine Coast, giving trainer Tony Gollan another potential star for the big stage.
In a race that unfolded at blistering speed, Rainbow Glow set a hot early pace, leading by five lengths at the 500m mark.
Craig Williams, aboard La Bella Boom, bided his time, stalking the leaders before unleashing a powerful turn of foot at the 250m mark.
Despite showing some signs of greenness under pressure, the $3.30 bookmaker favourite, La Bella Boom surged past Rainbow Glow and held off the late challenge of Forgotten Spirit to win comfortably.
Sunshine Coast Race 2: Gold Pearl 2YO Fillies – La Bella Boom
“She was still doing a little bit wrong under pressure, but while she was doing that, she was finding the line nicely,” Gollan said post-race.
“So, good acceleration and fourth up into a big race, I think it’ll be key.”
La Bella Boom stopped the clock at 1:04.89, marginally faster than the colts’ division earlier on the card.
Gollan attributed her success to her natural precocity and race fitness.
“She’s a real two-year-old. She has been from day one. She’s just at home. She does what she has to do. She doesn’t do any extra, but she’s the shape of a two-year-old,” Gollan said.
“She looks like a two-year-old. She eats like one. You can’t make her unsound all prep. She’s a really happy horse.”
Craig Williams, who gave the filly a perfect ride, was also pleased with her performance.
“Lovely filly, very well prepared by Tony Gollan and his team,” Williams said.
“Had me a lovely ride throughout off the speed, so showed versatility, and she’s very dominant. Still learning, still green, but lots to like about her.”
The race’s hot early pace, set by Rainbow Glow, allowed La Bella Boom to capitalise late.
Forgotten Spirit ran on gamely to finish second, while Don’t Doubt the Lady took third but was no match for the winner. Rainbow Glow, after her early exertions, faded late to finish fifth.
La Bella Boom’s connections, including prominent ownership group Black Soil Bloodstock, were thrilled with her victory, which secures her spot in next week’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
“My plan always was to space her out, give her that trial the other day in Brisbane, put her in amongst horses, go this week, and back up next week,” Gollan explained.
“It’s been a good model for horses in the past, and this ground being up here today is nice and forgiving on them and just a perfect gallop she needed for next week.”
Gollan compared La Bella Boom to his past Magic Millions winner, Skirt The Law.
“Well, off today’s run, she’s up there now,” he said. “She reminds me of the way Skirt The Law was in herself. I guess next week, we’ll see how much she is like her.”
With this victory, La Bella Boom has firmly established herself as a leading contender for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, with her connections optimistic about her chances in the lucrative event, which she is now a $11 chance at Neds to win.
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