Queenslander Woorim has earned himself a start in the Group One Emirates Stakes with a return to form at Flemington.
The Rob Heathcote-trained gelding won at Moonee Valley on September 10 but could not manage a place at his next three Melbourne starts until Saturday’s Group Three tab.com.au Stakes (1400m).
With Michael Rodd aboard, Woorim ($12) held off Sydneysider Thankgodyou’rehere ($10) by two lengths with Toorak Toff ($8) another 2-1/4 lengths away third.
Heathcote was home in Brisbane but Woorim was in good hands with travelling handler Melissa Leitch.
“We’ve had some misfortune but he’s bounced back today,” Leitch said.
“We’ll go to the Emirates now, we have to on that run.”
Leitch said she had a constant battle because of Woorim’s bad feet.
“He’s got issues with his feet, they just crumble and it’s a case of constant bathing and bandaging and looking after him,” she said.
The Emirates Stakes (1600m) is run next Saturday, the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival.
Sydney trainer Pat Webster will take Thankgodyou’rehere home for a break.
“It was really an afterthought to come here,” Webster said.
“Instead of having ten weeks in the paddock he will only have six.
“But I’m very happy with the result.”
Rodd, who was based in Queensland for several years, said it was a thrill to get a win for his old mates.
“I’ve known Rob and Melissa for a long time and it’s great to get this win,” he said.
“He’s a horse who gets back but he has a great finish.”
AAP TURF
