Heathcote hopeful of another Keith Noud success

By Glenn Davis

Champion trainer Tony Gollan has won the Keith Noud a record five-times and looks to have another strong hand again in this year’s Listed feature at Doomben on Saturday.

However, archrival Robert Heathcote is hopeful he can thwart Gollan’s attack with his consistent sprinter Hatchet.

Heathcote enjoyed one of his best Sydney and Melbourne spring carnivals in years following Abounding’s win in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield.

His stable star Rothfire also gave Heathcote one of his biggest thrills since his Buffering days after claiming the Group 3 Sydney Stakes at Randwick last month.

The Sydney Stakes is considered a consolation race for the $20 million The Everest at Randwick, which was won this year by Hong Kong sensation Ka Ying Rising.

Heathcote has won at the highest level 12 times and has had his own success in the Keith Noud with Extremist two years ago.

The seven-year-old Hatchet was a Group 3 placegetter behind the Gollan-trained Zarastro in the W.J. Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm in June last year.

Heathcote believes the Keith Noud will be a tough assignment for Hatchet who is coming off a last start second to the Ciaron Maher-trained Epic Proportions in a 1200 metre Open Handicap at Doomben on October 25.

A son of Worthy Cause, Hatchet registered his sixth win at Doomben at his previous start over 1200 metres on October 8.

“It’s a tough race but he’s a decent chance because he’s so tough and honest,” Heathcote said.

“It may well be he’s not quite good enough but he’s as good as Extremist who won this race two years ago.

“It was a really good win and it was expected the day he won at Doomben two starts ago but he needed the run last start when he ran second.

“He was beaten by Epic Proportions who looks to be a really good horse.”

Heathcote is hoping a good performance from Hatchet will confirm plans to target the Magic Millions at the Gold Coast in January.

“He’s got a fantastic record at Doomben and if he runs up to that we’re looking at the Magic Millions QTIS race with him,” Heathcote said.

Heathcote’s old warrior Rothfire also will target the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival while Abounding will spell to prepare for an autumn campaign.

“Abounding is preparing for the autumn while Rothfire could have one or two runs during the summer in races like the George Moore, Lough Neagh or The Buffering,” Heathcote said.