Trump will have to produce something extra special at Doomben on Saturday to warrant joining stable stars Buffering and Woorim for a spring campaign in Melbourne.
Trump will be attempting a hat-trick of city wins for trainer Rob Heathcote when he steps up in distance to 1615m in the Coolabah Tree Cafe Three-year-old Handicap.
“He’s a good horse but Saturday is his big test with 58 kilos,” Heathcote said.
“He’d have to win quite well to warrant sending him to Melbourne but it’s a possibility.
“He’s had two nice wins at Eagle Farm but this is Doomben and he’s got to step up to a mile.”
Heathcote capped one of his best days of his training career when he landed a double with Buffering and Woorim at Moonee Valley last Saturday while Funtantes was successful at Doomben the same day.
Buffering, wearing blinkers for the first time in his career, led to narrowly win the Group Two McEwen Stakes (1000m) while Woorim produced a dazzling finish to claim the 1200-metre Open Handicap.
Heathcote initially thought he had seven boxes available at Flemington for the spring but has since discovered stabling is at a premium.
Heathcote plans to send Our Lukas, Funtantes and possibly Gundy Son south, leaving his options limited for the remainder of his stable, including Trump if the gelding continues his winning form.
Our Lukas trialled at Doomben on Tuesday and is likely to resume over 1350 metres at Doomben on Saturday week before heading interstate.
Funtantes, who returned to form at Doomben last Saturday, will join Heathcote’s Melbourne team after one more start at Doomben on Saturday week.
“There’s plenty of options for Funtantes down there in fillies and mares races and Fillydelphia also may go with her,” Heathcote said.
Trump started his career with Rosehill trainer David Payne before connections sent him to Heathcote.
Heathcote acknowledged Trump’s ability from day one although being told he had some mental issues.
Heathcote immediately gelded Trump and after two starts at Doomben sent him on a road trip to Rockhampton in central Queensland where the son of Written Tycoon was placed over 1200 metres.
“I am a great believer in travelling young horses and it certainly helped him,” Heathcote said.
Meanwhile Heathcote is looking forward to Buffering’s next assignment in the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday week.
“He wasn’t fully wound-up when he won the McEwen Stakes and he’ll go into the Manikato a lot fitter horse,” he said.
Heathcote, last season’s Queensland trainer-of-the-year, is still looking for his first Group One winner.
AAP TURF