Trainer Rob Heathcote is confident Excellantes can continue the stable’s relentless late-season surge with his third consecutive win in the MontroseAccess Charity Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.
Heathcote had Brisbane’s training honours wrapped up for a third straight season weeks ago but has not eased up on his rivals and has enjoyed a recent winning run.
He became only the third trainer behind the late Bruce McLachlan and Gerald Ryan to reach 60 winners in a Brisbane season when he notched a winning treble at Eagle Farm last week.
Financially it’s also been the best season ever for Heathcote who has easily passed $3 million in prizemoney.
“It’s been a good year and as of yesterday I’ve earned $3.14 million in prizemoney this season,” Heathcote said.
“Most of it has been achieved in Queensland but I did win some in Sydney and Melbourne when I took away Woorim, Buffering and Our Lukas.”
Heathcote has ruled out an interstate trip for Excellantes this spring to concentrate on the Sydney autumn next year with the rising four-year-old.
“He’ll be four next week and that’s the year I expect him to stand up,” Heathcote said.
“He’s had a super year and has won five races this season.
“We were very patient with him in his two-year-old year and gave him time to develop.
“He’ll spell after Saturday and we may look at taking him to Sydney in the autumn.”
Excellantes has been ridden by Damian Browne in his past two victories but apprentice Tim Bell will take over for his season swansong.
“Damian is away on holidays in New Zealand,” Heathcote said.
“He’s (Browne) done a super job on the horse but with his big weight we’re going with Tim Bell’s claim.”
Heathcote was disappointed Excellantes received topweight of 60 kilograms.
“I can understand why the handicappers gave him so much weight but I thought around 58 kilograms was probably more acceptable,” he said.
Bell was recently appointed the Queensland stable rider for the powerful Patinack Farm operation but is allowed to take outside rides.
“I think Tim’s two-kilo claim brings him back into the race quite well and he’ll carry the same weight as he did when he won at Doomben last start,” Heathcote said.
AAP TURF
