Double open chance for Tony Gollan
Premier trainer Tony Gollan has a double-barrelled chance to continue his success in Brisbane open company races with former Sydney horses at Eagle Farm.
Gollan will have El Sasso, a recent addition from the Peter and Paul Snowden team, and Skylimit, a former Gai Waterhouse-trained horse, in the Open Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.
Gollan has had success with former Sydney horses in Brisbane open company races including Didntcostalot, Fontelina, Best of the Rest, and Frespanol.
He took over El Sasso after the gelding ran last at Eagle Farm behind Upstart Pride two weeks ago.
“Like any horse you get from Snowdens he is in great order. He is better suited racing up here but he probably wants a soft track,” Gollan said.
Regally bred Skylimit will be given the chance to secure a future as a sire after his impressive recent win.
Skylimit is a half-brother to Golden Slipper winner Overreach by Flying Spur out of Snippets mare Bahia.
He showed he had come back an improved horse when he won first-up in a Two Metro Win race at Eagle Farm two weeks ago.
Waterhouse sent Skylimit to Brisbane for the 2015 winter carnival but after his second to Jumbo Prince in the Toowoomba Guineas his form tapered off and he was transferred to Gollan.
Gollan has won three races with Skylimit and is sure there are more to come.
“We have been teaching him to race off the pace,” Gollan said.
“He is still an entire and he might make a sire one day.
“He certainly has the breeding and ability. But that is up to Mr (George) Altomonte (owner).”
Gollan said he was looking at stakes races such as the Toowoomba Weetwood with Skylimit.