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Rob Heathcote protects ‘golden goose’ Rothfire as King Of The Mountain rivals look elsewhere

Monday, 18 Dec 2023
Rob Heathcote protects ‘golden goose’ Rothfire as King Of The Mountain rivals look elsewhere
Rothfire is the star attraction for the $750,000 King Of The Mountain, but his presence has also scared off potential rivals, with just four confirmed runners in the New Year’s Eve slot race so far.
Trenton Akers     December 18, 2023 - 9:49AM

Rob Heathcote is protecting the goose that lays the golden egg for his stable and says Rothfire’s summer campaign will be kept to a bare minimum as he looks to win the King Of The Mountain in Toowoomba on New Year’s Eve.

The Group 1 winner could have featured in last Saturday’s Lough Neagh Stakes at Eagle Farm, but Heathcote will instead trial his star sprinter on Tuesday as he prepares for the $750,000 feature.

While he is the star attraction in the race restricted to Queensland-bred horses from Queensland-based stables only, Rothfire’s presence is making it hard for other slot holders to fill their spot, with just four confirmed runners so far.

Victory in the race would secure a wildcard into the $1 million Magic Millions QTIS (1400m) 12 days later for Rothfire in what could be a golden fortnight for the in-form Heathcote.

“I have to look after his longevity, so it is three runs this summer, that is all,” Heathcote said.

"He will carry 60.5kg up there at Toowoomba, which he did and almost beat Zoustyle the other day in the George Moore.”

Rothfire is a $2.50 favourite with TAB in the race, with Bribie Handicap winner All That Pizzazz on the second line of betting at $4.50.

Other confirmed slot holders Legal Esprit and Steady Ready are both $11.

After placing in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap the last two years, Heathcote is desperate to give Rothfire another opportunity to win the race he wants to win the most.

Heathcote will base his entire preparation around next year’s winter carnival and says a short, sharp summer campaign can be the perfect springboard for the six-year-old.

“I know what I have got, I have a horse that can win the King Of The Mountain and the QTIS race at Magic Millions and can be successful in the winter carnival,” he said.

 

“I could have run him in the Lough Neagh on Saturday with 61kg over 1400m, but I have to look after the goose that lays the golden egg.”