Trainer Rob Heathcote was not unhappy to see the rain falling in Brisbane as Rothfire prepares for the Stradbroke Handicap.
Rothfire worked at Eagle Farm on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in which the ‘old marvel’ drew barrier 13 in the 23-horse field that has a capacity of 18 runners plus five emergencies.
The rising nine-year-old will jump from barrier 12 if the emergencies do not gain a start in which he will be ridden by Brad Rawiller.
Rawiller has been aboard Rothfire in his past two starts, winning the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) on May 16 before running seventh in the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on May 30.
“He’s an old marvel,” Heathcote said.
“He’s a legend now for what he’s done to have the longest streak from winning a Group 1 as a two-year-old to winning one as an eight-year-old.”
Heathcote said it would be a dream result to win the Stradbroke with Rothfire having run second with the evergreen galloper in 2023.
The trainer also had Buffering run second twice in 2012 and 2013.
“It is our toughest race to win, no doubt and it’s one of the toughest handicap races in Australia and I know how tough it is because I’ve run second in it three times,” Heathcote said.
“The mighty Buffering ran second twice carrying 57-½ kilos, with Rough Habit making the record carrying more weight, and Rothfire, a couple of years ago we drew (barrier) 18 and he ran second to Think About It.
“It’s a really tough race, no doubting that, but we’re really happy with the old boy.
“He worked super this morning. He loved that Soft 7, this morning when he worked with Abounding and to win it would be a career highlight.
“A nice (Soft) six would be perfect but if it dries, which this track has amazing drying qualities, it will also suit him.”
Heathcote will also saddle last start BRC Sprint winner Abounding in Saturday’s feature handicap.
Abounding has drawn barrier 15 but will jump from the gate next to her stablemate if the emergencies do not gain a start.
Tyler Schiller has been booked to ride Abounding.
There was little change in the market following the barrier draw with Headley Grange ($5) remaining at the top of the market after drawing gate eight.
Fangirl (barrier 11) and Regal Award (9) share the second line of betting at $6.50 with all other runners quoted $11 or longer.
