Robert Heathcote’s investment in broodmare Cantantes has been one of the best of his career.
Heathcote trained Cantantes and although her racing days produced the modest return of two wins from 37 starts her real value has been in the breeding barn.
The mare has produced five winners, all owned and trained by Heathcote with combined earnings of more than $1 million dollars.
One of her best offspring has been Funtantes who won the Listed Nudgee Quality (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday by 2-1/2 lengths after leading all the way and carrying topweight of 58 kilos.
“I’ve got a couple of nice ones coming through that are out of Cantantes, including a yearling by Duke Of Marmalade and a two-year-old by Easy Rocking,” Heathcote said.
Funtantes is likely to be freshened-up before targeting more fillies and mares races ahead of her retirement in the spring.
“We keep her nice and fresh with short, one or two run campaigns then pop her out in the paddock,” Heathcote said.
“This is going to be her last season of racing before the breeding season.
“She’s won over $600,000 in prize money now so she’s done her job.”
Heathcote was confident Funtantes had the race in her keeping when jockey Damian Browne was able to run his first 600 metres in a leisurely 36 seconds.
“I had a smile on my face when I saw Brownie was sitting as quiet as a church mouse in the first half of the race,” he said.
“She was clearly the best horse in the race and because she won a Group race as a two-year-old she’s paid that penalty for the rest of her life by having to carry big weights.”
Earlier, Heathcote leapt to the defence of Gundy Son after the veteran sprinter returned to the winner’s circle at Doomben for the first time since May 2011.
“I hear all these clowns say it’s been a year out of the winner’s stall and all the rest of it, well try winning them,” Heathcote said.
“Okay, they weren’t Group horses that he beat but it was a horse race and he’s won it and we’re very happy.”
