Heathcote ready to fire with trial star

Robert Heathcote will send brilliant barrier trial winner Rothfire to the races for the first time.

Trainer Robert Heathcote has only one regret about his latest purchase.

Heathcote has a reputation for being able to pick up smart horses in private sales and has also been a successful breeder.

If barrier trials are any indication two-year-old Rothfire could be the latest to add to his reputation.

Rothfire makes his debut against a strong field in the QTIS Two-Year-Old (1000m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The gelding won his first trial at Doomben two weeks ago by 7-1/2 lengths, running faster time than most of the older horses that day.

Heathcote assured Rothfire was ready for Saturday’s race by sending him around in a 650m trial at Deagon on Tuesday which he also won.

“He has shown us a bit on the training track and in trials but of course they have to do it on race day,” Heathcote said.

“We bought him in a private sale off the breeders and then syndicated him.”

“My only regret about that is he isn’t a Magic Millions horse.”

Rothfire is by leading sire Rothesay and Heathcote has had recent success with the breed, including smart three-year-old Guntantes.

Heathcote will have a strong hand in the Open races on a Saturday headed by mare Stella Victoria in the DSS Law Handicap (1200m).

Stella Victoria, who won a recent Doomben barrier trial in slick time, is headed towards chasing black-type races in the summer.

Heathcote also has former star sprinter Buffering’s three-quarter brother No Annamosity in the same race and the consistent Zafonic Dancer in the Clayfield Jewellery Handicap (1600m).

He expects them both to run well.