Woorim could take on Black Caviar in Brisbane

Woorim looks like the latest horse that will be thrown under the Black Caviar train in an attempt to de-rail the juggernaut when she hits Brisbane next month.

Robert Heathcote has said he’ll be prepared to take on the champion as long as Woorim pulls up well after a comeback run at Doomben this Saturday.

Woorim will compete in the Listed Bribie Handicap in Brisbane after a six month layoff from the track.

His last run was a disappointing effort on a slow track at Flemington when he was last past the post in the Group 3 Chatham Stakes over 1400m.

The five-year-old has previously shown top level class though with a tight third placing behind Response in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield seven months back.

Heathcote says he’s ready for a big Winter Carnival for a horse that should be entering the prime of his career.

“I’m delighted the way he’s going,” Heathcote said.

“This is the first time I’ve had him going so well for a first-up run.

“He galloped on the course proper at Doomben on Tuesday and he went sensational.”

Son of Group 1 winner Show A Heart, Woorim is pencilled in for his first stakes race this prep when he lines up in the Group 2 Victory stakes over 1200m at Eagle Farm on April 30th.

“After that he may take on Black Caviar if she comes for the BTC Cup,” Heathcote said.

“We’re all allowed to dream – they’re free.”

Panic was sparked earlier this week when it was announced airlines had ceased horse transport and Peter Moody may not run Black Caviar north of the border.

Moody later said if he couldn’t get a plane he would float the horse and the only thing which will rule her out is if she appears not to be 100 percent fit.

For Woorim though the first step is this weekend and if he has any chance of getting near Black Caviar he’ll first need to dispose of the Doomben field despite an awkward barrier nine.

“He’s won first-up in the past when he beat Seek And Find who won again at Doomben last Saturday,” Heathcote said.

“He’s got a reasonable record and he showed he was only two strides off being a Group One winner when he ran third in the Sir Rupert Clarke last spring.”

Woorim is just one on the list of what promises to be a big day for Heathcote.

“I’ve also got Heartshaker and Mr Nicholas engaged and Fillydelphia will be hard to beat in the Queensland Day Plate,” he said.