ROB'S SHOUT - A TRIP UP THE RANGE TO A STAND ALONE, METROPOLITAN, SATURDAY MEETING AT TOOWOOMBA
By Robert Heathcote | Thursday, April 30, 2015
Robert Heathcote is one of the leading racehorse trainers in Brisbane. 'Rob's Shout', the personal blog of the multi-premiership and multi Group 1 winning trainer appears weekly, exclusively on HRO.
The second Saturday meeting of the new look winter carnival sees us journey up the range to Toowoomba this weekend.
The new turf track has had its share of controversy since it was opened and is now coming off a break for necessary remedial work. The track raced really well recently so it should be able to cope with the stand alone meeting on Saturday.
The forecast looks ominous so I hope for everyone’s sake the weather is relatively kind for the two time honoured local feature races, The Weetwood and the Toowoomba Cup.
***************************************************************************************************
I have several chances in both races with Excellantes (in the Weetwood) once again burdened with a big weight as has encountered the past few years, testimony to his consistency.
The weather may diminish his chances along with the top weight of 59kgs. If the deluge comes he may well stay at home!
I have several good chances in the Cup.
Volkhere ran an excellent race last week at the Gold Coast to finish a strong third. I reckon we will see him race closer to the speed this week. He is tough and loves a scrap so, if he copes well with the quirky undulating track, he can figure in the finish.
Hopfgarten has basically been forced to run after missing a run in the Hollindale Stakes last week, similar to the likely cup favourite in Pornichet.
If we are to still push onto the Doomben Cup it really is essential he race this week. How he goes will determine if we do indeed back him up the following week into the Group 1 Doomben Cup.
It is not an ideal programme but we will give it a shot!
It was quite disappointing to miss an important lead up race but that can happen with the feature carnival races, especially with the ballot conditions but I am tipping that anomaly will be rectified for next year.
***************************************************************************************************
I had a few very good runs and a couple of clangers last week at the Gold Coast but that’s been a similar pattern ever since I have raced on that track.
Some of my runners raced well as Pinch River, Jopa and Volkhere did without much luck, but Gid Up Strop and Fusina put in shockers ... and for no apparent reason.
I am willing to forgive those two as they were both previous start winners in similar company so I am hopeful they can bounce back at Doomben, unless something more tangible to explain their flops comes up!
Pinch River has certainly been luckless at his last couple of runs with super runs from wide gates. Little doubt his runs have been eye-catchers and I am confident he can win a race very soon from a good gate!
****************************************************************************************************
My goals for the carnival?
No stand outs or specific, targeted races. We will just do our best to present our horses in the best possible way and give them every chance in their respective races.
I am certainly under no illusions how tough it will be with the invasion of the ‘outoftowners’!
The visiting trainers have certainly come in force and fair to say they have not brought the slow ones with them!
***************************************************************************************************
Media co-operation in today’s ‘modern’ racing world is essential to enable as much information as possible to get out to the punting public.
Most trainers have quickly learned it is also a good medium for helping to advertise a stable to future new clients. Of course it usually means you have a half decent horse if the media want to write something about it or even tip it in an upcoming race!
In a nice touch recently the Qld Racing Media invited a few trainers to a steak, a few beers and a great game of Rugby at the super Suncorp Stadium as thanks for the time we give to the media.
It was a great day and a huge thank you to Obi and Nathan and the crew for a very enjoyable day.
It does work both ways!
**************************************************************************************************
If anyone is interested in getting into a new yearling for the exciting upcoming racing season, I have shares available in several yearlings including a son of Monaco Consul who immediately won me over with his fantastic athletic walking style ... he is so flowing and relaxed when he moves.
Not only is he a great walker but he is one damn good looking horse!
I will be retaining a share in the horse who was an inexpensive purchase.
He is QTIS registered meaning he can compete for the massive bonuses in the upcoming racing season. He will very shortly be broken in and come into me at Eagle Farm for further education.
More information can be obtained on my web site at www.robertheathcoteracing.com.au
Alternatively, email me on roheath@bigpond.net.au or call me on 0418 602433
*************************************************************************************************
Finally, in the last but not least category, I wish to thank all those people for their support of my views in my blog last week regarding Eagle Farm.
It is gratifying to have blanket support on such an important issue.
Happy punting.
Robert
More articles
|