It's
been a slow start to the new season for Eureka Stud's young sire sensation Spirit
of Boom, but that could change quickly judging by a brilliant barrier trial win
at Rosehill on Monday morning for his star performer Ef Troop.
He led all the way for James McDonald and cruised home some three lengths clear
of Everest contender English who steamed to the line for second in the 895
metre trial.
His trainer Tony Gollan is eyeing the Listed ATC Heritage Stakes
(1100m) at Randwick on September 15 or the Group II VRC Danehill Stakes (1200m)
on the same day for Ef Troop, who had two wins and two seconds last season
including a long head loss to Aylmerton in the Group II ATC Todman Stakes.
His stablemate and paternal half-sister Outback Barbie has been taking on the A
grade fillies and was second in the Group II ATC Silver Shadow Stakes first up from
a spell and then fifth last Saturday in the Group II ATC Furious Stakes after
jumping from the outside gate.
Her turn to win a spring stakes race cannot be far away.
Spirit of Boom had a sharp fee increase this spring jumping from $11,000 to
$55,000 based on his phenomenal first crop race results last season and
spectacular success in the sale ring.