Capital Connection poised for Open debut

Capital Connection will be chasing his third win in a row when he joins a field of top short-course sprinters in the $105,000 Swiss Ace Plate (1000m) at the Sunshine Coast.

The Swiss Ace Plate and the $105,000 Mooloolaba Cup (1600m) are new races Racing Queensland has added to the summer carnival.

RQ has been rewarded with strong fields in both races with the Swiss Ace Plate a mini-Queensland 1000m championship featuring several horses with outstanding records in short-course races.

Gollan is sure Capital Connection won't be out of place in the elite company.

"Since we took the tongue tie off him this preparation he has been jumping far quicker out of the barriers," Gollan said.

"He showed it at his last start win at Eagle Farm when he went straight to the lead and ran the others off their feet."

Gollan said while Capital Connection's only run at the Sunshine Coast was a second at 1200m, he was confident the 1000m on the big track would suit the gelding.

"The last-start Eagle Farm win showed a big track is no worry," Gollan said.

Capital Connection was only the fifth horse to get under 57 seconds for 1000m on the new a Eagle Farm track when he clocked 56.88 seconds.

"But the really good thing was his final 600m sectional of 33.20 which is slick on any track but in particular at Eagle Farm," Gollan said.

He said he had once thought Capital Connection might mature into a 1200m-1400m horse.

"But I think we have got it right now by keeping him to the shorter races around 1000m," Gollan said.

"He has raced out to 1350m but it is clear now that is a bit far.

"Capital Connection hasn't had a lot of luck in his overall career but things seem to be going his way."

The six-year-old has had only 18 starts but has won seven races and been minor placed seven times for $269,000 in prize money.

Gollan has shown his faith in his apprentice Baylee Nothdurft by keeping him on Capital Connection even though he can't use his claim.

Australian Associated Press