Trainer Rob Heathcote plans to raise the bar to next month’s Group One Coolmore Classic at Rosehill with talented mare Tomboy if she passes two crucial assignments beginning with Doomben on Saturday.
Tomboy returns after a month’s freshen-up and will be aiming for her seventh win from her past nine starts at her open company debut in the Remondis & Energywatch Handicap (1350m).
The four-year-old has won seven of her 13 starts, an outstanding achievement considering her leg issues.
Tomboy has an apple-shaped fetlock on her near foreleg which requires regular maintenance after every gallop.
“She’s very promising and after her last win she’s now in open company for the first time,” Heathcote said.
“I’ve had to be mindful of her leg issues because she’s got an apple-shaped fetlock.
“She’s been high maintenance but she’s snuck under the radar and is well weighted considering she’s won six of her last eight starts.”
Heathcote expects a strong performance from Tomboy but will give her another start in the Listed Tattersall’s Member’s Cup (1600m) at Eagle Farm on March 3 before deciding if she’ll head to Sydney for the autumn.
“I’ll see how she goes on Saturday and then in the 1600-metre race a fortnight later before making a decision about Sydney,” Heathcote said.
“At this stage I’m aiming her for the Coolmore.”
Although Tomboy hasn’t raced since winning over 1500 metres at Eagle Farm on January 21, Heathcote is confident the daughter of Murphy’s Blu Boy can maintain her winning streak.
“She’s forward enough for Saturday’s race and she’ll run a big race,” Heathcote said.
“Her last run was over 1500 metres and she’s dropping back to 1350 metres but that won’t be a problem.
“I gave her two weeks off following her last run because she needs careful management with her leg issues but she’s ready to go.”
Heathcote will be in Melbourne to saddle up Buffering in the Group One Lightning Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
The three-time Brisbane premier trainer is clinging to the hope that the world’s best sprinter Black Caviar will miss the 1000-metre feature.
Trainer Peter Moody won’t make a final decision until race morning whether Black Caviar backs up in the Lightning following her sensational Group One CF Orr Stakes victory at Caulfield last week.
Heathcote also trains Woorim who will make his first autumn appearance in the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday week.
AAP TURF
