Another Queensland success in the 2025 Toorak Handicap

Queensland’s spring carnival dominance continued when Transatlantic delivered a gritty win in the $1 million Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield, giving trainer Tony Gollan his second consecutive triumph in the race.

Following Antino’s runaway victory last year, Gollan’s latest star had to earn it — Transatlantic ($10) showing courage to hold off Evaporate ($6) by a short head. Leica Lucy ($7.50) flashed home for third, while Sepals ($2.50 fav) endured a nightmare run and finished last.

“We bought him as a yearling, had a few ownership changes along the way, but it’s just a terrific result,” Gollan said. “He’s been a great horse to train and to win a Group 1 with him means a lot. There’s something in the water in Brisbane at the moment.”

The win reversed Transatlantic’s last-start defeat to Evaporate at Sandown, with Gollan noting the gelding’s continued improvement. The five-year-old son of Snitzel now boasts seven wins from 20 starts and earnings of more than $1.3 million.

Zahra’s daring tactics were key. “We were going in as the outsider, but I had a lovely run in front,” Zahra said. “He’s a horse that thinks a bit, but when I felt the challenge coming, he fought right to the line. It’s great to get my first Toorak.”

Gollan’s feat mirrors fellow Queenslander Robert Heathcote, who won consecutive Tooraks with Solzhenitsyn in 2012 and 2013.

To explore betting options and odds for upcoming spring features like the Toorak Handicap, visit Australia’s leading betting sites.