By Glenn Davis
Trainer Rob Heathcote is hoping for more of the TAB Summer Carnival spoils in two Listed features at Doomben on Saturday.
Heathcote will saddle up Ruling Dynasty in the Listed Brisbane Handicap (1600m) while he will be doubled handed with Femme Fireball and Stella Victoria in the Listed Just Now Quality (1350m).
Premier trainer Tony Gollan, a longtime rival of Heathcote, dominated last year’s summer carnival and has already won three Stakes races and as many other feature events this summer.
Heathcote has a strong hand in the Just Now Quality with Stella Victoria chasing successive Stakes races after claiming the Listed Legacy Classic (1200m) at Doomben on November 24.
Femme Fireball is unbeaten in three restricted class races this campaign enroute to her main assignment in the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares race at the Gold Coast next month.
Heathcote believes Femme Fireball has the potential to be the best horse in his stable with her devastating turn of foot but is reluctant to separate the pair.
“It’s a strong race and the Black Type status is invaluable for breeding purposes later on,” Heathcote said.
“Until the barriers are out tomorrow, I couldn’t separate them but both are lovely mares in career best form.
“Femme Fireball is an exciting mare with a booming finish while Stella Victoria is coming off a Listed win and is stepping up to 1350 metres which is no issue.”
Heathcote also expects a strong showing from Ruling Dynasty in the Listed Brisbane Handicap (1600m).
Ruling Dynasty has had one run back this campaign finishing eighth to Niccanova in the Listed Recognition Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on November 24.
“It was good run considering he was checked and lost momentum just as Niccanova got a run,” he said.
“He’s second up which is always challenging but he’s a place chance.”
MNeanwhile Gollan will again be Heathcote’s main opponent in both features.
Gollan has entered Coldstone for the Brisbane Handicap while he has three runners, Of The Day, Prue’s Angel and Sheiswhatsheis in the Just Now Quality.
Gollan was delighted with Coldstone’s first stable for the stable when an eye-catching second to Toowoomba sprinter Niccanova in the Listed Recognition Stakes (1600m) at Doomben on November 24.
He also expects Of The Day and Sheiswhatsheis to be competitive after their recent first-up runs.
Racing Queensland webnews December 4