Heathcote to consider Sydney trip for Tomboy

Trainer Robert Heathcote is contemplating a trip to Sydney with his smart mare Tomboy if she can continue on her winning way when she resumes at Doomben on Saturday.

Tomboy is facing open company for the first in the Remondis & Energywatch Open Handicap (1350m) and Heathcote is confident that the four year old has shown enough to date to be able to handle the class rise.

“She’s very promising and after her last win she’s now in open company for the first time,” Heathcote said.

If Tomboy races up to Heathcote’s expectations he will give her another start in Brisbane in the Listed Tattersall’s Member’s Cup (1600m) at Eagle Farm on March 3 before sending her to Sydney for the Group 1 $600,000 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on March 24.

The Coolmore is a huge step up in class for the Murphy’s Blu Boy mare but if she can add to her seven wins to date, Heathcote is willing to give her a chance against the best fillies and mares.

“I’ll see how she goes on Saturday and then in the 1600-metre race a fortnight later before making a decision about Sydney,” Heathcote said.

“At this stage I’m aiming her for the Coolmore,” Brisbane’s premier trainer said.

“She’s forward enough for Saturday’s race and she’ll run a big race.”

“Her last run was over 1500 metres and she’s dropping back to 1350 metres but that won’t be a problem.

“I gave her two weeks off following her last run because she needs careful management with her leg issues but she’s ready to go.”

Tomboy hasn’t raced since winning in easy fashion in the Skyracing TV Benchmark 90 Handicap (1500m) at Eagle Farm on January 21 when ridden by Ric McMahon.

Top jockey Jim Byrne is back aboard Tomboy on Saturday after having been successful on the mare on two previous occasions.

But all is not plain sailing with Tomboy and Heathcote is mindful of continuing maintenance that she requires for a front fetlock.

“I’ve had to be mindful of her leg issues because she’s got an apple-shaped fetlock.

“She’s been high maintenance but she’s snuck under the radar and is well weighted considering she’s won six of her last eight starts.”

Heathcote will be in Melbourne on the weekend to saddle up his Group I contender Buffering in the $750,000 Coolmore Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.

Stablemate Woorim is also there preparing for the Group 1 $400,000 Sportingbet Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield next week.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.