Gollan looking forward to clash

Trainer Tony Gollan is looking forward to the clash of talented stablemates Falvelina and Listen Son at Doomben.The pair will meet in Saturday's Trident Handicap (1200m) which Gollan will use as a winter carnival dress rehearsal.Topweight Listen Son has 58 kilograms and barrier eight on the slow track while Falvelina has a 4.5 kilogram weight advantage and jumps from barrier five.Listen Son hasn't raced finishing seventh to Sanderson over 1615 metres at Doomben in October but has been primed for

Trainer Tony Gollan is looking forward to the clash of talented stablemates Falvelina and Listen Son at Doomben.

The pair will meet in Saturday's Trident Handicap (1200m) which Gollan will use as a winter carnival dress rehearsal.

Topweight Listen Son has 58 kilograms and barrier eight on the slow track while Falvelina has a 4.5 kilogram weight advantage and jumps from barrier five.

Listen Son hasn't raced finishing seventh to Sanderson over 1615 metres at Doomben in October but has been primed for a strong first-up showing with a recent barrier trial win on his home track at Toowoomba.

Falvelina was an impressive winner over 1000 metres at Eagle Farm last month before producing an excellent performance when runner-up to Captain Sonador at Doomben on February 6.

"I'm really looking forward to these two meeting," Gollan said.

"Listen Son never stopped improving last campaign and every time I raised the bar with him he took the step.

"Unfortunately, he's got a big weight and I'm not sure how he'll go if the track is wet but we're planning only a short campaign with him before bringing him back for the winter and a race like the Queensland Guineas."

Gollan is also targeting the rich three-year-old winter races with Falvelina but has no specific race in mind for the daughter of Falvelon.

"Falvelina has been placed twice on slow tracks but she doesn't really handle it and I'd definitely prefer her on top of the ground," he said.

Gollan took over the training of Listen Son after the gelding had two starts for his father, Darryl Gollan.

"He's won four times for me now and he's a horse I really like," he said.

Gollan has had to be patient with Falvelina who earned a big wrap from jockey Larry Cassidy following her Eagle Farm triumph.

The filly has started only seven times for two wins after spending three months in the paddock last year recovering form a chipped knee.

"The chip was on the edge of the knee and was only small," Gollan said.

"It wasn't displaced so it didn't need an operation and we haven't had a problem with her since."

Gollan plans to give Falvelina a short break following this run before aiming her at the winter carnival.

"Larry has a big opinion of her and we're looking at tackling some of the better three-year-old races but only up to 1200 metres," Gollan said.

"She got beaten last run but it was an outstanding effort.

"She surprised me when she jumped awkwardly and got back so far off her wide alley and Larry was caught three wide without cover the whole trip.