Tony Gollan was happy to just make the Stradbroke Handicap field with Listen Son

Listen Son has taken a giant step towards Stradbroke Glory after claiming the inside gate for Saturday’s $1 Million Group 1.

The Tony Gollan trained horse likes to get to the front and with all of the other speed pretty much in double digit gates he’ll have the run of the race early.

The chances of Listen Son could very well come down to how many of the other pace makers choose to take him on up front and if a few decide to take a sit it will be play right into his hands.

Tony Gollan was ecstatic just to be confirmed as a starter earlier today after drawing prime things just keep getting better.

“He loves getting back to Eagle Farm particularly the 1400m, one alley we’re very happy with that,” he said.

Listen Son is one of the most honest horses going around at the moment and that’s been highlighted by his recent results.

Only a miraculous late burst by Woorim denying him winning the BRC Sprint and last start in the QTC Cup be battled gamely again to run fourth.

“He’s been racing terrific, he deserved a change of luck with the barrier,” Gollan said.

He admits that after they just missed a place in the QTC Cup they felt as if there Stradbroke dream was over.

“When we got beat on the weekend we didn’t think we’d make the field,” he said.

“The whole campaign has been targeted at this race.”

They’re in now though and with 52kg and the pick of the gates there’s no doubt his name will be called throughout the first half of the race at the very least.

He’ll lead them around the bend and from there it will be guts, determination and plenty luck which decides how far Listen Son can go in the 2011 Stradbroke Handicap.