Eagle Farm trainer Robert Heathcoate is confident that his runners at the Doomben Cup meeting on Saturday can continue the hot streak that the stable is on.
Last Saturday, Heathcoate took out the Rough Habit Plate (2020m) with Fillydelphia, who recorded a dominant three length victory and is now considered a serious winning hope in the Queensland Oaks. Prior to that, her form had gone off somewhat but not according to Heathcoate.
“I simply say to everyone, have a look at the stewards report of all her last four runs,” the trainer said.
“She featured heavily.”
“I have not been disappointed with her runs and I expected her to win last Saturday and hopefully Luke (Nolen) sticks with her.”
The other highlight for Heathcoate was the run of Buffering, who ran a superb third behind Black Caviar and Hay List in the BTC Cup. Heathcoate was in awe of the two champions but was still very happy with his horses effort. In saying that, the trainer isn’t that enthusiastic to clash with them again in the Doomben 10,000.
“He did us proud,” He said.
“I hate to race against the two big guns again, but there is little choice and it’s the best lead up towards the Stradbroke.”
The trainer has a strong team engaged for Saturday, starting off with four runners in the opening race: Sway To Go, Solzhenitsyn, Cyclone Al and Sam’s Town.
“Sway To Go has run blinders and been taken on in the lead both runs this prep. He’ll run the 1200m out strongly.”
“Solzhenitsyn has good New Zealand form but he’ll probably need this run so wait for him until he gets to 1400m and a big track.”
“Cyclone Al used to be trainer by Danny O’Brien and I’m expecting him to run on well on Saturday but he’ll be better once he gets to a mile.”
‘Sam’s Town was pretty poor first up but his work has been better since.”
Our Lukas is a stable stalwart and had produced two good runs this time in before an average effort in the Hollindale Stakes behind My Kingdom Of Fife. He will run in the Lord Mayors Cup (1615m)
“The Gold Coast track isn’t up to Metropolitan standard,” Heathcoate said.
“Expect improvement on Saturday as he heads toward the Ipswich Cup again.”
Hidden Kisses has impressed in three runs this time in and will prove hard to beat in the Doomben Roses (2020m) according to Heathcoate.
“Her run in the Gold Coast Bracelet was better than it looked,” He said.
“If the track is dry, she’ll run a good race.”
Funtantes and Acquired represent the stable in the Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m).
“Forgive and forget last start,” Heathcoate said.
“She is much better than that and can improve sharply on Saturday.”
“Acquired has been so stiff this year with wet tracks. She is a genuine dry track mare. If she gets a firm surface, she is right in it.”
His best for the day?
“Hidden Kisses in a tough race.”
Written by Adam Page
