Rothfire launches summer campaign in George Moore

By Glenn Davis

Champion trainer Tony Gollan will be out to continue his dominance in the Group 3 George Moore Stakes at Doomben on Saturday but arch rival Robert Heathcote hopes to be a thorn in his side.

Gollan has won five of the last eight George Moore Stakes including last year with Garibaldi and will launch a massive five-pronged attack in the 1200 metre feature this year.

Heathcote is after his second George Moore victory after Fine Action won the race when it was known as the Summer Stakes in 2001 and will be double handed with stable star Rothfire and The Big Goodbye.

Rothfire, who drew barrier one, was being aimed at The Everest at Randwick in Sydney but missed the rich sprint after finishing fifth in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley in September.

“He jarred up in the Moir Stakes and missed The Everest so we decided to bring him back with The King Of the Mountain at Toowoomba in mind,” Heathcote said.

“He’s been working well and won a trial at Doomben after we pulled the pin and came home from Melbourne.

“Ben Thompson has been riding him and he’s very happy with him.”

Heathcote is hoping Rothfire can gain a back door entry into the Magic Millions QTIS race at the Gold Coast in January if he wins the King Of The Mountain at Toowoomba on New Year’s day.

The King Of The Mountain winner gains an automatic entry and is exempt from a ballot for the Magic Millions race.

“He didn’t go through the Magic Millions sales but he’s QTIS registered,” Heathcote said.

“If he wins the Toowoomba race he’ll become eligible for the Magic Millions QTIS race.”

The Big Goodbye is coming off a first-up fifth to the Gollan-trained Nettuno in the Swiss Ace Plate at the Sunshine Coast on November 18.

“His run in the Swiss Ace was very good as he got held up at a crucial moment and went to the line untested,” Heathcote said.

“He’ll be suited stepping up to 1200 metres and a wet track won’t worry him.

“The track is in the heavy range but the wet shouldn’t worry Rothfire or The Big Goodbye."