Patient approach works for Alpine Dancer

Trainer Robert Heathcote’s noted policy of being patient with horses again reaped benefits when Alpine Dancer made it back-to-back wins at Doomben on Saturday.

Alpine Dancer ($5.50) fought on bravely to beat Man To Match ($3.90) by a half neck with 1-1/4 lengths to Lope For Joya ($13).

The gelding had broken his maiden status with a midweek win at Doomben 10 days ago and took the step up to Saturday class with a strong effort.

“This horse is like many young horses in that you have to give them time. You have to be patient with horses to let them find their way,” Heathcote said.

“I was going to spell him after today but he won so well we might go one more time at least.”

Heathcote said Alpine Dancer was also a perfect example of the value of QTIS bonus money in Queensland.

Winning jockey Dale Smith said Alpine Dancer had sprinted quickly at the top of the straight and held on well.

“He might be a horse with a bit of potential,” Smith said.