Outback Barbie ready to fire with blinkers in Silk Stocking as Tony Gollan changes course with top filly

A blinkered approach could be the key to transforming classy filly Outback Barbie from bridesmaid into the real deal this winter.

A blinkered approach could be the key to transforming classy filly Outback Barbie from bridesmaid into the real deal this winter.

Outback Barbie resumes in Saturday’s Silk Stocking (1200m) at the Gold Coast, with trainer Tony Gollan electing to bypass the Gold Coast Guineas against stablemates Zoustyle and Ef Troop and instead opt to take on older mares.

“I’ve been going to do it all preparation. I may go back to the three-year-olds for her next race,” Gollan said.

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Jockey Jim Byrne rides Outback Barbie to victory at Doomben in December.

“It suits me to kick off against the mares. She gets in with a very light weight, we’ve secured a top rider (Jeff Lloyd) and I knew I wasn’t going to run into Zoustyle and Ef Troop.

“That’s not a stupid move from my point of view, or the owners.”

The daughter of Spirit Of Boom has raced in feature races from her first start, winning the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes on debut in December 2017.

She also won the Listed Mode Stakes over the summer.

But despite being a dual stakes winner and a $600,000 earner, Outback Barbie’s career to this point has been more defined by minor placings and bad luck stories.

There’s little doubt she should have won more than just the two races in her 11 starts.

Gollan has opted for a gear change in adding blinkers for the first time on Saturday.

Outback Barbie is $3.20 with Ladbrokes to win the Silk Stocking.

“I’m not using them for a one trick or saving them for a grand final. I think they are a piece of gear that’s going to work with her,” he said.

“I’ve used them twice under jumpout conditions.

“We rode her back with cover last time, she switched off beautifully and she finished off as good as anything.

“She’s ready to roll.”

Outback Barbie is a $3.20 favourite with Ladbrokes to win the Stocking.

She is trying to become the fourth filly this decade to win the race, following Graceful Anna, Srikandi and With A Promise.

The other filly in the race, Spirit’s Choice, has firmed from $13 to $10 in early trading.

Weetwood winner Sexy Eyes is at $7, with last year’s runner-up Test The World on the next line of betting at $8.50 with Godolphin’s Demerara.