Heathcote Has Doomben Summer Series In His Sights

Robert Heathcote has put his bad spring luck behind him in favour of a tilt at the Doomben summer series in Queensland.

The trainer will target the series with Excellantes, Work The Room and Captain Claytain.

The Group 3 George Moore Stakes, the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes and the Listed Bernborough Handicap make up the December summer series.

Heathcote rates four-year-old gelding Excellantes as the best of his three summer chances.

“Excellantes is by far my best chance of the three,” Heathcote said.

“He has come back in good order from his break and he’s got a great record which I believe should be even better.

“He’s won five of his 11 starts and has been unlucky a couple of times and I think he’ll be hard to hold out first-up.”

Work The Room will be back on the racecourse after having a short spell following his fifth place finish at Doomben on August 6.

“Work The Room is a nice horse but he hasn’t been a punter’s pal,” Heathcote said.

“He’s got plenty of ability but he’s had his share of issues with a hoof problem.

“I’m confident I’ve got him right now but he’ll probably find (1200m) too short. His goal is the Bernborough.”

Heathcote’s two stable stars, Buffering and Woorim, are currently being spelled following their unlucky spring Melbourne campaigns.

 

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