Female riders continue to shine in Brisbane’s jockeys’ premiership this season, and trainer Tony Gollan hopes Emily Lang can enhance her growing reputation with Boomtown Boss in the Queensland Guineas on Saturday at Eagle Farm.

Lang has notched up 52 metropolitan victories in 2024/25, many in Gollan’s colours, and she holds a healthy lead over closest rival Angela Jones, with James Orman absent due to his current Hong Kong commitments.

Coming from an academic background and holding a university degree in data science and engineering, Lang’s entry into the world of race riding was far from traditional—but Gollan believes she’s exactly where she belongs as she partners his leading Guineas contender.

Lang acknowledges the challenge of maintaining top rides during carnival time, with seasoned jockeys returning to contest the rich prizes on offer, but Gollan remains confident in her and her mount.

He identified Boomtown Boss early as his prime Guineas prospect and says the gelding’s preparation suggests he is peaking at the right time.

“He is still doing things wrong in running and still presenting in the wrong part of the track but I think if we can improve that little more again, and there’s no doubt that he loves the big track at Eagle Farm, I don’t think there’s any risk that he won’t run a mile,” Gollan said.

Undefeated this prep, Boomtown Boss arrives off a strong win in the Listed Daybreak Lover Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on April 19.

“I love the horse and rider combination with Emily,” Gollan added. “She knows the horse so well and I lose nothing by having her on. We go into the race well prepared.”

Currently rated an $8 chance, Boomtown Boss represents value as southern raiders begin arriving in Queensland. Churchill’s Choice, trained by Nathan Doyle, is the $6 joint favourite with Depth Of Character and Shangri La Spring, both backed in from $11.

“With a few southerners coming up, we get pushed down the chain a bit, but he is a very progressive horse and we are happy with him,” Gollan said.