It’s always nice to catch up with the premier stable in Queensland, which is of course the Heathcote stable. I haven’t been able to catch the boss lately but it’s a pleasure to talk to Melissa Leitch who does a fantastic job around the stables, and helps make the operation run as smooth as it does.
Our interview started off with a bit of banter as Mel pulled me up on a comment I made on radiotab that Catapulted may be the best older male sprinter going around outside Hay List. I have to admit I think it was ordinary judgement on my behalf as we seen on Millions day Catapulted still has a bit to prove that he has come back as good as he was, and in hindsight the field he beat in Melbourne was not as good as first thought. Of course the Heathcote stable have Buffering and Woorim, and on their best form you would have to say that both are more than capable of beating Catapulted most days of the week, and I’d rather be in their corner.
Talking about the two stable stars Buffering and Woorim, they will fly to Melbourne on the 14th of February. Buffering will run on the 18th in the Lightning, while Woorim will run a week later in the Oakleigh plate (1100m), and they should both go on to the Newmarket (1200m). Woorim could then head to Sydney for the George Ryder and the Doncaster, and Buffering may stay in Melbourne for a race at Moonee Valley (may take on Black caviar) and/or head home to prepare for the winter carnival.
The Heathcote stable should be applauded for the way they have handled Tomboy’s career to date. She is a very exciting prospect and Rob has given her a lot of time to mature and has spaced her runs when she does have a prep. That has been the making of the daughter of Murphy’s Blu Boy and as we seen on the weekend she has many more wins in store. Melissa said that Tomboy has gone to the paddock for ten days but will return in a 1350m race, followed by a listed 1600m in Brisbane. If all goes to plan she may be headed to the Coolmore (Group1 1500m) at Rosehill.
A big edition to the stable is Group 1 winner Triple Honour who will be set for the staying races over the Brisbane carnival. Others who are being targeted to our carnival include Solzhenitsyn and Gundy Son.
One thing you can guarantee is that the Heathcote stable will have them firing at the right time, and I’d be looking for them to be going all guns blazing heading into our carnival!
