A dry track and general improvement in the racing surface could help Sea Red break her long-running Eagle Farm hoodoo.
Sea Red can run final sectional times comparable with stakes horses and her get-back racing style would indicate she should love Eagle Farm which has a long straight.
But Sea Red has never produced her best at Eagle Farm on either the old or new racing surfaces.
The mare was an impressive winner at her last start at Doomben when she stormed home to win over 1630m.
She has won seven races, been minor placed five times and fourth four times from 22 starts on tracks other than Eagle Farm where she has not run a place in six attempts.
However, trainer Robert Heathcote is hopeful her hoodoo can be broken in Saturday’s Kartaway Hcp (1600m).
“There is no doubt her best form has been at Doomben where she has won five times. And, yes, you would think the way she races would suit Eagle Farm,” Heathcote said.
“But you have to remember Sea Red has struck wet tracks or been suffering feet problems at all of her Eagle Farm starts.”
Heathcote is watching the weather forecasts closely but believes Sea Red will be at her best on a dry track on Saturday.
“She doesn’t go in the wet. I am really pleased with the way Eagle Farm has started to come together in the past month,” Heathcote said.
“I was one of its biggest critics but it is starting to race really well. I think it will suit Sea Red now.”
Heathcote, who is leading the Brisbane premiership on 26 wins, will have two interesting runners in the 3YO Hcp (1200m) in Pinch Mountain and No Annimossity.
“Pinch Mountain came from the outside barrier and broke 1.10 for 1200 metres when he won his last start at Doomben. It was the sign of a very good horse,” Heathcote said.
“He has barrier ten again on Saturday but at Eagle Farm that may not be a disadvantage.”
No Annimossity is a three quarter brother to Heathcote’s champion sprinter Buffering who runs in Friday night’s Group One Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
