Queensland Quest For Some Of State's Best

Michelle Sultana and Darryl Thomas are building a reputation.

Not only as one of the best training duos in NSW, but as one of the go-to kennels for interstate raiders looking to make a splash in big race features.

The pair pulled off the biggest win of their career last month when Mackenna claimed the Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg for owner George Alvaro. They took on caretaker training duties for Al's Entity who ran third in last year's Group 1 Vic Peters Classic. And that followed a Group 2 Bulli Gold Cup triumph with Panadero Warrior, who was on loan from Victoria, last February.

Now they’re taking their talents to Queensland for the annual winter carnival, and who’s to say they can’t return with more group race glory.

“We’ve relocated to South Maclean for six weeks and we’ve brought a decent sized team up for the big races at Albion Park,” Sultana said.

And it’s not just any team.

Mackenna headlines the group, while ‘The Ambrosoli’ placegetter Black Tsunami and promising youngster Fear The Dragon also made the trip. 

But it’s the kennel ‘ring ins’ who raise the bar even higher.

Multiple Group finalist One Hot Bandit and reigning Ladies Bracelet winner Midnight Spritz have been sent north by master trainer Andy Lord, while Victorian Des Douch has also put his trust in Sultana and Thomas with recent Sapphire Crown champion, Here Comes Milli.

“It’s a pretty good honour,” Sultana added.

“Andy asked us if we would take a few and we know they are both really good dogs. Andy has always been someone we look up and we have a lot of respect for him and JODIE. We don’t pretend to know everything so it’s nice to have people like them who can teach and trust us.”

“And Des Douch called to ask if we had a spare kennel for Here Comes Milli which was a bit of a surprise.”

“We’ve never spoken to Des before but I think Paul Abela told him we were heading up and we’ve obviously got a pretty great relationship with Paul after taking care of dogs like Aston Ulysses, Panadero Warrior and Mackenna over the last few years.”

Douch confident his Group 1 winning sprinter can continue her winning ways under the tutelage of Sultana and Thomas.

“Paul [Abela] is a good mate of mine and he said Darryl and Michelle were heading up for the Queensland carnival and asked if I wanted our girl to go along to. I’d never met or spoken with them but Darryl seems like a nice fella who knows what he’s doing,” Douch said.

“I’ve been told they’re all for the dog and they look after them really well. The only thing I told them was not to get too worried if she doesn’t trial well. She’s never been a good trial dog, but when it comes to the game day, she’s always ready to go.”

Andy Lord also confident his top line chasers will be given every chance of success under the tutelage of Sultana and Thomas.

“We have full confidence in them. It’s like someone minding your kids, we wouldn’t send them to someone we don’t know or trust. We wouldn’t be good parents if we did that and it’s no different with the dogs,” Lord offered.

“Darryl and Michelle are the ones I trust to give One Hot Bandit and Midnight Spritz the best chance of winning. The dogs need to be well looked after to succeed and they’re in very good hands.”

Lord hopeful of seeing his charges engaged on ‘Champions Night’ on June 6 when the $225,000 Flying Amy (520m) and the Group 2 Cyndie’s Magic (600m) will be contested.

The Gunning-based mentor also hopeful his duo will be included in the upcoming State Of Origin series on June 13.

“One Hot Bandit will definitely race over 600m and I told Darryl I’d leave Midnight Spritz’s program up to him. She could go in the Flying Amy but her main goal might be the Origin,” Lord said.

“It was always our plan to step her up a little bit in trip but I can’t see how she misses out on a NSW spot. She’s a recent Group winner over 500 and has been running great time too. It’s always hard to find dogs who want to go up to Brisbane for the race but ours are already there and ready to go.” 

Sultana also confirming Mackenna has qualified to race for NSW, if selectors want to pick her.

“We’d love her to be involved in the State Of Origin. She’s been in my name for long enough now and after what happened to Terry Hill recently, it’s a race series we’d all love to be involved in,” Sultana added.

“Her owner George [Alvaro] was close to him as they were both in the markets scene in Sydney so it’d mean a lot to him if she was part of that series. She’s one of the fastest dogs in Australia so we’ll just see what happens.”