Rob Heathcote is prepared to take on champion Black Caviar during the Brisbane winter carnival provided Woorim makes a satisfactory comeback at Doomben on Saturday.
Woorim is set to make his return following a six-month break in Saturday’s Listed Bribie Handicap (1200m).
The five-year-old hasn’t started since tailing the field on a heavy track in the Group Three Chatham Stakes (1400m) won by fellow Queenslander Poor Judge at Flemington in October.
Woorim showed he was up to elite-level company when a close third to Response in the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield the previous month.
Heathcote is excited about Woorim’s prospects as he prepares for the upcoming Brisbane winter carnival.
“I’m delighted the way he’s going,” Heathcote said.
“This is the first time I’ve had him going so well for a first-up run.
“He galloped on the course proper at Doomben on Tuesday and he went sensational.”
Woorim, a son of multiple Group One-winner Show A Heart, is set to have his next start at weight-for-age in the Group Two Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on April 30.
“After that he may take on Black Caviar if she comes for the BTC Cup,” Heathcote said.
“We’re all allowed to dream – they’re free.”
Trainer Peter Moody is keen to send Black Caviar to Queensland next month in her attempt to maintain her unblemished record in the Group One BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben.
Woorim, a Damian Browne mount, has an awkward barrier nine to contend with in his return but Heathcote isn’t fazed.
“He’s won first-up in the past when he beat Seek And Find who won again at Doomben last Saturday,” Heathcote said.
“He’s got a reasonable record and he showed he was only two strides off being a Group One winner when he ran third in the Sir Rupert Clarke last spring.”
Heathcote is hoping Woorim will be part of a big day for the stable.
“I’ve also got Heartshaker and Mr Nicholas engaged and Fillydelphia will be hard to beat in the Queensland Day Plate,” he said.
“Tabulate and Humma are both chances in the distance race (Led Superscreen Handicap) but I’ll probably just rely on Humma and won’t run Tabulate.”
Heartshaker, another son of Show A Heart, will be ridden by Larry Cassidy while Kelvin Wharton will partner Mr Nicholas in the Happy 21 & 50 Zach & Mike Innes Class Six Handicap (1640m).
“I think Heartshaker will run a big race as will Mr Nicholas,” Heathcote said.
Heartshaker has been runner-up at his past two starts, the latest when held up for a run behind God’s Hand in a 1400-metre Class Six Plate at Eagle Farm on April 2.
Mr Nicholas won a 1350-metre Class Five at Doomben last month before a fast-finishing third in a 1630-metre Class Six at Doomben on March 26.
AAP TURF gmd/gm