Rob Heathcote won’t be tempted by Everest interest and has his eyes on more spring spoils at Caulfield on Saturday.

Ben Dorries

October 6, 2022 - 10:48AM

Despite intense interest from a slot-holder in The Everest in recent times, Rob Heathcote has kept his eye on the prize of the Group 1 Manikato Stakes with comeback star Rothfire.

But in the meantime, Heathcote is hoping he can get a change of luck with smart sprinter Prince Of Boom and knock off some spring spoils at Caulfield on Saturday.

The Queensland Group 2 winner has raced twice in Melbourne this spring, firstly not getting the best of rides when going back and wide and failing to using his speed when starting favourite but finishing eighth in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes at The Valley.

Last time at Caulfield, Prince Of Boom struck unfavourable Heavy 9 track conditions after an incredible rain torrent earlier in the day.

But Damian Lane was keen to keep the ride, in a big vote of confidence, and Prince Of Boom is rated an $8.50 chance in the Listed Neds Village Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Heathcote is just hoping the rain forecast in Melbourne on Friday doesn’t cause the Caulfield track to be too rain-affected.

“Prince Of Boom just hasn’t had a lot of luck,” Heathcote said.

“It wasn’t the best of rides first-up at The Valley for starters.

 

“And then he didn’t want that torrential rain before the race last time.

“He still finished fourth, beaten less than a length and a half, but Damian said his wheels were spinning.

“But it was a great vote of confidence that Damian was happy to stay on.

“I didn’t want to go to Sydney with Prince Of Boom because I wanted better tracks for him, I hope we get one in Melbourne on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Heathcote has his sights firmly set on a Group 1 prize with Rothfire.

The comeback star won a Group 2 race brilliantly first-up in Melbourne and then didn’t get the clearest of paths when finishing fifth, but beaten less than two lengths by Coolangatta, in the Group 1 Moir Stakes.

There were slot-holders in The Everest that were keen on Rothfire but Heathcote hasn’t deviated from his original Melbourne-only plan.

Rothfire is on the second line of betting for the Manikato Stakes as a $6 chance.

“There was intense Everest interest in him but I always thought it was in the horse’s best interests to stay in Melbourne,” Heathcote said.

“I want to win the Manikato with him and I think we can.”

 

Heathcote’s Group 1 winner Startantes races as an $8 chance in the $1m Silver Eagle in Sydney on Saturday.