Weetwood Handicap 2016: Jumbo-sized effort might deliver premier Toowoomba race for trainer Michael Nolan

JUMBO Prince runs faster than his plain looks suggest and Michael Nolan believes he is poised to give Toowoomba’s most famous race an almighty shake.

Horse racing on the Gold Coast. Winner race 3, number 1, Jumbo Prince, Jockey Luke Tarrant. Pic Jono Searle.

IF Saturday’s Weetwood was a fashion contest, Jumbo Prince would be at home in his box.

Fortunately for connections, Jumbo Prince runs faster than his plain looks suggest and Michael Nolan believes he is poised to give Toowoomba’s most famous race an almighty shake.

The stallion cost a mere $8000 and has made a lie of his purchase price, winning more than $500,000.

His plain looks have understandably been long since forgotten as he has earned the right to be called one of Michael Nolan’s stable favourites.

“Jumbo doesn’t have a lot going for him,’’ Nolan said. “He’s not much to look at, but fortunately for us he knows how to run.

“After the Magic Millions he spelled for four weeks, and this was always our plan first-up.

“He’s a good horse fresh. We’ve never had him in a Weetwood first-up, it’s always been a bit weaker, but he’s in good order and he’s just a good racehorse.’’

Like most, Nolan views Coolring as the one to beat, but hopes the quirky Clifford Park track, where Jumbo Prince excels, can bring the Sydneysider undone.

“I don’t know how good he is, but obviously his form around some good horses says he’s pretty smart and clearly hard to beat,” Nolan said.

Toowoomba Guineas winner Jumbo Prince last year. Picture: David Martinelli

“But he has to play us on our home ground. I’ve seen a lot of good horses come here over the years like Kidman’s Cove, Seawinne and Tiny’s Finito and they can overcome it, but not all horses do.

“The tightness of the track, the climb, it can bring them undone.’’

Nolan’s ultimate plan is for Jumbo Prince to tackle the Ipswich Cup in June.

Luke Dittman, having enjoyed an armchair ride recently on John Zielke’s flying two-year-old team, finally had to make a tough call for Saturday’s Dalrello.

Dittman’s decision to choose Spot The Diff over Happy Event was anything but a slam dunk.

“I just thought Spot The Diff might have the edge if they ended up in a dogfight. She has a bit more experience,” Dittman said.

“I think they are probably about level ability wise, but Spot The Diff might just have the mental edge at this stage.

“It was only after Spot The Diff’s last win that I was comfortable making the call. Up until then I would have preferred to wait for the barriers before deciding, but she really impressed me last time.”

The Dalrello is shaping as a good betting affair, with Love Spy and Crack Me Up fancied to turn the tables on Spot The Diff.

Originally published as Weetwood Handicap 2016: Jumbo-sized effort might deliver premier Toowoomba race for trainer Michael Nolan