Heathcote Still Chasing Group 1 Glory

While Queensland trainer Robert Heathcote was not able to secure his first Group 1 victory this spring with Buffering and Woorim, it has not stopped him from dreaming about next autumn.

“It’s been a bit frustrating trying to win a Group One but both of them ran very well in Melbourne this time,” Heathcote said.

“It’s getting a little frustrating and I hope to get my revenge in Melbourne next year.

“I’ve been unlucky in three Group Ones now and two of them were $1 million races.”

Buffering finished a gallant second to Black Caviar in the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic last Saturday, while Woorim finished an unlucky seventh in the Emirates Stakes after being blocked for a run.

“Woorim was very unlucky in last year’s Sir Rupert Clarke and again in the Stradbroke Handicap during the winter and now in the Emirates,” Heathcote said.

“If Michael Rodd had the ride over again on Woorim in the Emirates I’m sure he would have come to the outside instead of looking for runs through the field.”

Both horses will now go out to the paddock to prepare for another shot at Group 1 glory during the autumn carnival.

“They’ve both arrived back and are spelling at Washpool Lodge before they come back into work for the Newmarket Handicap next year,” Heathcote said.

 

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