Woorim To Run At The Valley After Caulfield Flop

Woorim

Woorim will backup at Moonee Valley after failing to perform at Caulfield

Robert Heathcote will back up star Queensland galloper Woorim on a six day turnaround following his disingenuous flop at Caulfield in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

Woorim went into the race as one of the favourites but after settling towards the tail of the field he never made a single inroad as he tailed off in 15th spot.

There’s no doubt it was a race that favoured the on pace runners however the dismal performance eight lengths away from winner Toorak Toff has sent shockwaves through the Heathcote camp.

The trainer has joined a chorus of others in blaming the good 2 rated track for the run and says you can expect a different horse at Moonee Valley this Friday night.

“He actually jumped the best of his life but after 50m felt the track and Damien said he was reluctant to stretch out at any stage after that,” Heathcote said.

“It’s a shame to say being a Group 1 race but just forget he went around.”

His claims are somewhat supported by the fact Woorim’s resting heart rate post-race was almost identical to what he had pre-race indicating he never let go at all.

His track work this morning was described as good as ever so Heathcote has no reservations about putting him straight into an open handicap race across a mile at the Valley.

It’s a race he almost certainly has to win if he is to continue on his path towards the 2011 Cox Plate.

Queensland rider Damian Browne will retain the mount on a card where he’s also due to ride Buffering in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes after his first up win at the track three weeks ago.

About The Author