Mass Destruction seeks redemption in the 2023 Weetwood Handicap

September 21, 2023 4:49 am.

Tony Gollan looks to claim the 2023 Weetwood Handicap with Mass Destruction, Situation Room and All That Pizzazz.

Mass Destruction is set to compete in the upcoming Weetwood Handicap at Toowoomba this Saturday, aiming to improve upon last year’s runner-up finish.

The leading bookmakers have the gelded son of Spirit Of Boom as a +1500 chance in the 1200m contest worth $160,000.

The Tony Gollan-trained runner returns after his fourth-place finish in a benchmark 78 Des Lambart Memorial on September 2, behind Safework and stablemates All That Pizzazz in second and Zarastro saluting.

Mass Destruction’s most recent victory came on January 29, when he triumphed by a length in a 1200m race under jockey James Orman, besting competitors Explosive Quality and Enterprise Karen.

Last year, he finished second in the Weetwood Handicap with Ben Thompson onboard, behind the Jack Bruce-trained Axe by 0.2 lengths.

This year, Kyle Wilson-Taylor has booked the ride on Mass Destruction, the second time he has partnered with the horse, and will jump out of gate four.

Mass Destruction has raced 31 times for five wins and 15 placings, with $549,725 in prizemoney banked for connections.

Gollan has two more contenders in the Weetwood: All That Pizzazz (barrier 13) and Situation Room (barrier 10). They will face stiff competition, including the race favourite, Yellow Brick.

Trained by the local Tony & Maddysen Sears, Yellow Brick has won six from ten career starts, including this years’ Group Three Gold Coast Guineas with runner up finishes in the Group Three Fred Best Classic and Gunsynd Classic.

Pendlebury Bet have the son of The Mission as race favourite paying -125, with Situation Room (+550), and All That Pizzazz (+700) as the other hopes paying single digits.

Despite coming close last year, Gollan openly expresses his determination to secure a maiden victory on his hometown track in this prestigious event.

“I’m desperate to win a Weetwood being from Toowoomba,” he said.

“Mass Destruction, All That Pizzazz and Situation Room – were horses that I have had earmarked for the race for the past few months.

“Let’s see if we can finally come up with that illustrious Weetwood this year.”