Master trainer Rob Heathcote has a very strong hand to play this Saturday at Eagle Farm to kick our carnival off. The return of stable star Buffering after a setback this campaign will be a highlight, and seeing his other Stradbroke hope Woorim step out again in the same race, The Victory at Group 2 level.
The feature race has only come up with seven acceptors, but does have some quality about it with Atomic Force, Albert The Fat, Azzaland and Zero Rock amongst the others. Rob is happy with his chargers but the rain is a concern with Woorim, but Buffering should get through it. “I doubt the track will race better than slow, and it is going to be continual rain. I’m delighted with how Buffering has done despite the setback to his hoof. He has won on a heavy 10 with 59kg, he has 56.5kg Saturday but WFA this time of year doesn’t really suit as much, as you can see he only gets 2kg off Atomic Force a last start group 1 winner in Sydney, he will be the one to beat. I think Zero Rock is probably the best mare in Queensland too. But I am happy with Buffering.” Heathcote said.
Interestingly he also said that he would poke along with Buffering towards the Stradbroke and if he was to win on the weekend would not rule out a shot at the BTC cup and race against Black Caviar.
Another of his up and comers is Fillydelphia who will run in the Gunsynd -1600m. This filly’s first up run behind classy stablemate Excellantes was very good before racing a little flat second up being beaten 3 lengths by Steel Zip. Heathcote feels she can improve off that run if she handles the track “The weather is a big question, I am prepared to forgive her for the last start failure. She is ready to run well, but how wet it is and how well she handles it is the question.”
Of his other starters you would expect Heartshaker in the class 6 to be extremely hard to beat. He is a model of consistency since Rob has taken over him from the Waterhouse stable and a wet track would only enhance his chances.
The 2136m staying race on the program has three of Rob’s engaged and you would be surprised if one of them wasn’t walking away with the winners cheque. Our Lukas is a dual Ipswich cup winner who ran a narrow second to Scenic Shot last week. Humma won the Toowoomba cup two starts back. And probably the best of the lot is Tabulate who comes back after a month off and off an unlucky run over the Sydney carnival.
Of course I couldn’t let Rob go without asking about my favourite horse- Excellantes! Most members of the site may pick up on the fact I love this son of Falvelon. Rob feels the horse is progressing well towards next week’s race at the Gold Coast and like all of us is waiting for the day he can draw a gate and get some cover. He also feels that blinkers may well switch the three year old even more and hold the key to him. In a shock to some Damian Browne will actually get off Excellantes and ride Ready To Rip. This may be a guide to how good that horse is, but don’t be surprised if Heathcote gets every bit of potential out of Excellantes as he does with all his horses.
