Zofonic Dancer makes it three on end

Trainer Robert Heathcote’s determination to buy a horse by sire Zoffany continues to reap dividends, with Zofonic Dancer winning his third race in a row.

Zofonic Dancer ($3.80) won his first two starts on the Sunshine Coast but showed he was up to city class on Saturday by beating Mishani Bullitt ($2.40) by 1-1/4-lengths in the three-year-old handicap (1600m) at Doomben.

Maharni was 2-1/2 lengths further back in third.

Heathcote said he went to the Magic Millions Sales last year chasing a horse by shuttle sire Zoffany.

“They were going for $180,000 to $200,000 but I got a few people together and I got Zofonic Dancer for $100,000,” Heathcote said.

“He is bred to stay, being out of a Sadler’s Wells mare, and I think the Queensland Derby might be his aim next year.

“I know he’s a Magic Millions horse but it’s getting close. I will have to have a think.”

Heathcote said not many horses could win their first three starts and it was a sign of a promising future for the gelding.

Winning jockey Matt McGillivray said it had been a strong effort and Zofonic Dancer would continue to improve.