A close examination of sectional times has trainer Rob Heathcote confident Lauterbrunnen can take a step up at Doomben.
Heathcote has decided to skip restricted class and run Lauterbrunnen in an open-handicap race on Saturday.
“Lauterbrunnen is still eligible for one more restricted-class race but I think he is up to open company at this time of the year,” Heathcote said.
“He has won his past two starts and the sectionals on both occasions have been very good.
“At his last start the figures were great.
“The leader ran eight lengths slower than the average for the day.
“In other words they walked but Lauterbrunnen was able to run home very quickly and win.”
Heathcote said said if there was a worry this Saturday it was the lack of another genuine leader.
“My Quilter, Casarati and Double Impact can go forward so I just hope there is a genuine pace,” he said.
Heathcote isn’t getting carried away with Lauterbrunnen for the future.
“He is progressing well and he is suited in the races around 1600 metres here at the moment,” he said.
Lauterbrunnen is out of Heathcote-trained Group-winning mare Chenar.
“Chenar has been wonderful for us because she has performed as a racehorse and then as broodmare over a long period of time,” Heathcote said.
Race favourite Teronado continues to please trainer Bruce Hill in the gelding’s comeback from serious injury.
Teronado was stripped on a hind leg in last year’s George Main Stakes and Hill had been looking at tackling the Randwick weight-for-age race in Sydney on Saturday.
But he elected to stay home to give Teronado his third run since a long break.
“He has pleased us and the 1600 metres will suit him now,” Hill said.
If he races well, Teronado could head to the Craven Plate at Randwick on October 3 and then a 2000m race at Caulfield on October 17.
But Hill said if heavy rain hit Brisbane, Teronado would not start.
