With a developing filly “built like a big colt”, top Queensland trainer Tony Gollan is confident Latakia can back up in the Magic Millions Guineas next Saturday, after his authoritative win on the Gold Coast.
After producing an excellent turn of foot inside the final 200m, Gollan’s sprinter saluted by a comfortable half length in the Magic Millions Rising Stars 3YO & 4YO Fillies & Mares Class 4 Plate over 1300m.
Champion jockey Craig Williams timed the run home to the post well, with leader Coco Rox fading to finish seventh, and Bella Rouge the runner-up for Chris Waller.
“Hopefully we’ll see her at the Guineas next week. She’s a gorgeous filly and she’s got a lot of upside to her,” Gollan told Sky Racing.
“She’s a beautiful horse and she was a lovely yearling when we purchased her. She’s always taken a little bit of time, but it’s great to see her win a race like this.”
Gollan is excited about Latakia’s future.
“We’re deadest just scratching the surface with her. She’s built like a big colt, isn’t she? Beautiful horse,” he said.
“Always loved this trip, or 1400 is right up her alley. There’s a lot to look forward to for the team.”
In her third career start on Saturday, Gollan was confident Latakia would bounce back well from her last-start sixth in the Magic Millions Three-Year-Old Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on December 10.
“She just didn’t look like the horse who won her maiden at Doomben,” he said.
“We didn’t think we’d be there (off the pace coming onto the straight) – we thought we’d be leading.
“She was quite relaxed coming into the straight today, but gee she responded well.”
Gold Coast Magic Millions Rising Stars 3YO & 4YO Fillies & Mares Race Replay – 7/1/23
Horse: Latakia | Jockey: Craig Williams | Trainer: T J Gollan
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