Trainer Bruce Hill will consider a Brisbane winter carnival campaign with promising youngster Burleigh Heads following his all-the-way win at Doomben.
Burleigh Heads ($5) gave owner Neville Morgan, of Rangirangdoo fame, a welcome change of luck after holding on for a neck win over the fast-finishing Utilism ($15) in Saturday’s Ambassador Travel Handicap (1200m).
Dansal ($5) was a further 1-1/4 lengths away third.
“I was overdue for a win and I’ve finally got it,” Morgan said.
Morgan had been out of luck with Rangirangdoo during the Sydney autumn carnival with the seven-year-old’s best performance a close second to Manighar in the Group One Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill last month.
Hill paid $50,000 for Burleigh Heads at the Magic Millions sales on behalf of Morgan who has been a long-time client of the Gold Coast trainer.
“Nev buys a horse for me every year and I’ve always liked this fellow,” Hill said.
Burleigh Heads was ridden at his last start by Hill’s son-in-law Paul Hammersley, who missed the victory due to a careless riding suspension.
Replacement rider, veteran Kiwi jockey Grant Cooksley, was forced to disobey riding instructions before the son of Choisir recorded his first win from four starts.
“We discussed it before the race and the plan was to ride him back today,” Hill said.
“Unfortunately, Grant had no alternative but to lead on him when the horse overraced in the early stages.”
Cooksley’s win continued his great success rate since he decided to settle in Queensland last month.
“I’m not sure but that’s about five or six winners since I’ve been here,” Cooksley said.
“It was a good win and every time I asked for more he gave more.”
Hill will let the dust settle before making a firm commitment as to whether Burleigh Heads aims for the better juvenile races during the Brisbane winter carnival.
“I’ve always had a lot of time for this horse and he could well be a carnival horse,” Hill said.
“I’ve got a very high opinion of him even though this was his first win.
“It was a huge run for him when he ran sixth for Paul (Hammersley) last start after being caught three wide.”
