Premier trainer Robert Heathcote proved the depth of his stable was extensive when he prepared former Sydney galloper Griffon to win the Lightning Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Griffon was considered Heathcote’s second-string runner behind the more-fancied Excellantes but the former Bart Cummings-trained galloper delivered on his early promise when he finished powerfully to win the $80,000 1000m Listed event.
Griffon was Heathcote’s second winner for the day after his exciting gelding Solzhenitsyn made it three straight wins in the Strawberry Road Handicap.
Heathcote said he was still learning about Griffon despite having the horse for four runs and thanked winning rider Paul Hammersley for a polished performance.
“I never had the horse right last time, his coat was never how I wanted it and he’s a tricky horse to get to know,” Heathcote said.
“I said yesterday that he was a big knockout hope. He’s a very good horse and always has been – it’s just taken me a while to get to know him.
“Paul rode him perfectly. He allowed him to settle behind the fast pace and found clear running in the straight and he did the rest.”
Griffon ($26) settled worse than midfield behind a hot speed carved out by Audacious Spirit and the Flying Spur gelding finished like a rocket in the straight to win by a length and a half.
Victorian visitor Royal Bender ($15) did his best work late to finish second with Audacious Spirit ($8) battling on well to finish a nose back third.
Well-supported favourite Seek And Find ($4.20) settled midfield and didn’t get much racing room in the straight but never loomed as a winning chance and finished eighth.
Heathcote said Griffon would start next in the Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm on June 23 and immediately booked Hammersley to take the ride.
