Heathcote adopts proven formula with Press Link

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Robert Heathcote is hopeful a proven formula adopted with his Magic Millions Guineas winner Abounding will be successful with his rising star Press Link at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The unbeaten Press Link - a Michael Rodd mount – will be chasing his fourth win in the Listed Daybreak Lover over 1400 metres.

Press Link booked a Queensland Racing Carnival campaign with a near three length win against his own age at Doomben in the middle of March.

A son of Group 1 winner Press Statement, Press Link is being aimed at the Group 2 Queensland Guineas over 1600 metres at Eagle Farm on May 4.

Press Link hasn’t raced for five weeks but barrier trialled well when second to last year’s Magic Millions Classic winner Skirt The Law at Doomben on April 11.

“He won’t have raced for five weeks when he runs in the Daybreak Lover,” Heathcote said.

“I used the same formula for Abounding before she won the Magic Millions Guineas.

“Abounding had five weeks between runs before having a barrier trial and went first-up over 1400 metres into the Magic Millions.

“Before the Magic Millions I took advice from her rider Martin Harley and I’ve done the same with Press Link and both Michael Rodd and I are happy to go first-up over 1400 metres.”

The multiple Group 1-winning trainer expects a strong showing from Press Link and is hopeful the gelding can maintain his unblemished record.

“This will be his acid test as he’s taking on very good horses against his own age,” Heathcote said.

“But, he’s an exciting horse.”

Heathcote took a liking to Press Link from day one.

“I’ve got to thank Bryan and Daniel Guy for getting this horse,” Heathcote said.

“Bryan bought him for $40,000 at the sales and when he retired from training he recommended to his Hong Kong owners that I train him.”

Heathcote also will unleash his other winter big guns when Ekaterina, Prince Of Boom and The Big Goodbye resume in the Listed Ascot Handicap over 1000 metres. 

Eight-time winner Ekaterina is having her first start since finishing sixth in The Gateway at Eagle Farm in December while Prince Of Boom hasn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Magic Millions The Syndicate at the Gold Coast in January.

The Big Goodbye has been off the scene since finishing ninth in The Buffering at Doomben on December 30.

“I’m not sure where Ekaterina will go but it could be the Silk Stocking while Prince Of Boom will be aimed for the second-tier winter races,” Heathcote said.

“Prince Of Boom didn’t have the best of summer carnivals but he trialled super at Doomben last week.”