Emerald Kingdom is at juicy odds to beat Trekking and co in Saturday’s Group 2 Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm, but trainer Rob Heathcote knows a forward showing will set the gelding up nicely for a tilt at bigger riches during the Carnival.
Emerald Kingdom is a six-year-old, but only lightly raced having been introduced to racing later in life.
“I know he’s six, but I didn’t get him until he was five. I know this might sound crazy, but it’s kind of like all of a sudden he’s matured,” Heathcote said.
Emerald Kingdom, a last start winner of the Listed Sunshine Coast Cup at Caloundra, is a $9.50 chance with TAB to win the Victory, having won a trial at Deagon by six lengths last week.
“There’s no doubt the race is a tough race, particularly with Trekking and Fasika,” Heathcote said.
“I suppose the big plus for my guy is that he’s had six starts on this track (Eagle Farm) and won three times. So he handles the track.
“He worked really well (Tuesday) and he did everything I asked of him. His trial last week at Deagon was super.
“I’m under no illusion. Trekking ran second in the Manikato and the Moir. It’s like I’m taking on Buffering. And Fasika, she’s Group 1 quality.
“I’m not kidding myself. It’s a tough race and he has to find another three lengths to take on Trekking.”
But longer term, a forward showing at weight-for-age on Saturday will provide a strong platform for Emerald Kingdom to drop back into feature handicaps during the remainder of the carnival.
“Races like the BRC Sprint and heaven forbid if he happened to run a big race at weight for age on Saturday it opens the door for a race like the Stradbroke Handicap, because he does get a solid 1400m,” Heathcote said.
“It’s exciting.”
The TAB 2021 Queensland Winter Racing Carnival was launched on Thursday at Eagle Farm, where Heathcote’s former champ Buffering made his first public appearance in a number of years.
He was joined by Rothfire, who is on the comeback trail after surgery following his injury in last year’s Golden Rose.
Heathcote is hopeful, but cautious, about Rothfire’s chances of making a successful comeback in the spring.
