Heathcote has last laugh with Guntantes

Guntantes repaid trainer Robert Heathcote’s faith with a commanding victory at Doomben.

Trainer Robert Heathcote has had the last laugh on those who told him Guntantes would not run a strong 1600 metres, with the gelding handling the distance easily to win at Doomben.

Guntantes proved the doubters wrong with a runaway win in Saturday’s $100,000 Eagle Way Prelude Three-Year-Old Handicap.

Heathcote has always been adamant Guntantes’ best distance is in the 1600m range but he copped plenty of social media criticism when the gelding was beaten over 1800m three starts back.

But Guntantes ($1.65) never looked like losing and had 3-1/4 lengths to spare over Southern Swing ($9).

“All I can say is chewy on your boot to all the doubters. But in all seriousness he had no luck in the 1800 metres race and it was no guide,” Heathcote said.

“After the 1800 metre run we gave him a freshen-up and he has won both starts since. I will give him another freshen now and set him for a 1600 metre Plate in four weeks time.

“He will meet a lot of horses better at the weights for his recent runs.”

Guntantes is one of the last offspring from the mare Cantantes and Heathcote has had a lot of success with her progeny.

Cantantes’ daughters and sons have won about 50 races, most of them for Heathcote.