Dolan Gets Stamp Of Approval From Edmonds

The Edmonds stable has given Robbie Dolan a vote of confidence as he prepares to partner talented mare Vanna Girl in the Group One Epsom Handicap at Randwick.

Dolan was booked for Vanna Girl after Glen Boss elected to ride Funstar for Chris Waller.

“Robbie rides 50 kilos quite easily and he bobs up in these big races from time to time because he can ride so light,” co-trainer Toby Edmonds said.

“I’ve been watching him ride for some time and he’s very aggressive on them which is par for the course for most of those international riders, especially the Irish and English riders, so it’ll suit her.”

Edmonds was pleased with Vanna Girl’s final public hitout before the Epsom when she finished sixth in a 1200 metre Warwick Farm barrier trial last Tuesday.

“She didn’t get much room in the straight but probably got just enough out of it to keep her ticking over,” he said.

“She’s in great order and we’re very happy with her.”

Vanna Girl is a $15 chance to win the Epsom with TAB fixed odds with last-start Bill Ritchie Handicap winner Probabeel a $6 favourite ahead of Star Of The Seas ($7) and Boss’s mount Funstar at $9.

A winner of the Group Two The Roses at Eagle Farm during the winter carnival, Vanna Girl opened her spring campaign by running ninth in the Tramway Stakes at Randwick.

Edmonds said the slow early tempo of the Tramway did not help Vanna Girl’s cause but he was pleased with the way the mare finished off the race.