It has been almost 18 months since the most recent of Rothfire’s 10 career wins, but Robert Heathcote has no interest in taking the easy route with the veteran gelding.
The seven-year-old will make his Group 1 return in this Saturday’s $1.5 million Doomben 10,000.
The Doomben event will be his first appearance at the highest level since finishing fifth in the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 29, 2023.
That was only eight runs ago in what has been an injury-interrupted 33-start career, but Heathcote is adamant the son of Rothesay still has a thirst for the contest.
“In all fairness, I will know when he’s ready to retire,” Heathcote said.
“When he gives me the slightest sign that he no longer enjoys training, he no longer enjoys what he does, then I’ll know.
“I know this horse better than my wife.”
Rothfire’s only previous Doomben 10,000 appearance came in 2022 when he finished fifth in the edition won by Mazu.
This is the fourth Winter Carnival he has been a part of, with the lone Group 1 win of his career coming in the JJ Atkins (1600m) all the way back in June 2020.
Leg injuries kept him out of the 2021 and 2024 Carnivals, but Rothfire has had four runs this time in, the most recent a 1-3/4-length fourth in the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) on May 3, which was the run that convinced Heathcote to press on to the 10,000.
“Two horses smashed him in the lead, he fought them off and he was still there with 100 to go,” Heathcote said.
“Under different circumstances, I think he can still win a big one.
“Tim Clark is confirmed to ride in the Doomben 10,000 then hopefully another crack at another Stradbroke.”
Rothfire is a $26 chance in Doomben 10,000 betting, which is headed by Goup 1 winners Overpass, Sunshine In Paris, Benedetta and Schwarz.
