Trainer Robert Heathcote has confirmed that ‘all is well’ with his Everest contender Rothfire as the countdown builds towards the rich $15 million contest.
“Rothfire is on target,” said Heathcote. “Tommy Berry worked him on Saturday morning. Mel (Sharpe) was going to work him and Tommy said I’ll do that for you.
Rothfire is looking to progress after his creditable fourth placing in The Shorts behind his fellow Everest aspirants Eduardo, Nature Strip and Gytrash … which was a very satisfying result given it was Rothfire’s first run in twelve months following a serious injury and the fact that it came on soft going which is not Rothfire’s preferred racing surface.
And the track rating could well play a part in Rothfire’s immediate future.
“At this stage we are going to the Premiere next with him,” said Heathcote, that is unless the weather comes into play.
“The weather looks a little bit unkind again on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This is what you get in Sydney in the spring.
“Like I say, we are on target, but I am just worried about the weather. If the weather is too bad and the track cuts up, I’ll just trial him.”
Heathcote also has another big race contender in Sydney in the form of Startantes, who finished sixth, but less than three lengths behind In The Congo, in the Golden Rose after landing a hat-trick of wins in her three previous starts.
“Her effort in the Golden Rose was outstanding,” said Heathcote.
“She was unlucky to bump into a track that was so leader biased … and draw badly … but the way she came from so far back and the way she finished off was outstanding.
“I’m not quite sure where she will go next. It will either be the Flight Stakes next week or the Stan Fox.”
