Rothfire beats Gotta Kiss in a thriller

Rothfire has made a winning debut at Eagle Farm for trainer Robert Heathcote and jockey Jim Byrne.

Trainer Robert Heathcote joked he would have to get the rules changed for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic after his colt Rothfire won a thrilling two-horse war with favourite Gotta Kiss at Eagle Farm.

Rothfire ($2.80) was considered the only danger to previously unbeaten filly Gotta Kiss ($1.75) on the strength of his two barrier trial wins in the past month.

It was how the race played put with the pair going to together to the home turn before Rothfire had a short half head advantage over Gotta Kiss in the QTIS Two-Year-Old (1000m).

Heathcote bought Rothfire from boutique breeding operation Gleeson Thoroughbreds in a private sale which means he is not eligible for the Magic Millions in January.

“I will have to lobby to get the Magic Millions rules changed. But in all honesty we get $67,000 in prize money and bonus payments for the win so you have to be happy,” Heathcote said.

“It was a good effort by both horses because we were in and out of the parade ring because of the rain and then a jockey (Jake Bayliss) got kicked and had to be replaced.

“When they finally got to the barrier the Sydney race ran six minutes late.

“For a young horse all of that is a big ask and my bloke handled it well.”

Rothfire will now return at Eagle Farm in a fortnight.

“Then we might think about something a bit better down the track,” Heathcote said.

Trainer Steve O’Dea was happy with the run of Gotta Kiss who will now have a short break before returning for the Magic Millions.

“She probably jumped too well today and shared the lead when I reckon she is better from behind. But I can’t complain,” he said.

Bayliss was stood down for the rest of the day because of a leg injury sustained when kicked in the parade ring.

A torrential downpour delayed the race for 35 minutes.