Heathcote after more southern glory

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Robert Heathcote has declared the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes at Randwick on Saturday is a second version of The Everest.

The field of 15 includes Japanese raider Strauss who is a three-time winner from 11 starts.

“It’s The Everest without the Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising,” Heathcote said. 

“All the superstars are in it and it’s one of the strongest races I’ve seen for a long time.”

Heathcote is a 12-time Group 1-winner and is hopeful his old warrior Rothfire can climb his own Everest in the Russell Balding Stakes over 1300 metres.

Heathcote felt the same degree of satisfaction as winning at the highest level when Rothfire won the $2 million Group 3 Sydney Stakes at Randwick on October 18.

The Sydney Stakes is regarded as the consolation race for sprinters who miss out on the chance of competing in the $20 million The Everest which was won this year by Hong Kong’s sensation Ka Ying Rising.

An eight-year-old gelding, Rothfire has missed out competing in the world's richest turf race three times because of injuries and was first emergency when he missed out again in this year’s The Everest.

“It was an unbelievable win from Rothfire last time and I’m happy with the way he’s pulled up,” Heathcote said.

“He had three days out at Lindsay Park at Euroa and he’s done well.

“He’s an eight-year-old now and he needs a lot of tender loving care, so every race could well be his last.

“But, there’s no thought of retiring him yet. The day he shows us he’s not enjoying it any more is when he'll be retired.”

While Rothfire chases his 12th win of his career, Heathcote will be hoping to increase his number of Group 1 wins with Abounding in the Empire Rose Stakes over 1600 metres at Flemington on Saturday.

Abounding finished second in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm in June before setting sail for the Melbourne spring where she placed in three consecutive Group races before a dominant win in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield last start.

Heathcote was over the moon with Abounding’s win in the Tristarc Stake and believes she’s maintained her fitness level. 

“It was an outstanding win from her,” Heathcote said.

“It was her fourth run during the Melbourne carnival and with any luck she could have been four from four.

“The Empire Rose is a genuine Group 1 and she just needs a good ride and a bit of luck to win again.”