Sir Rocket aims up for first stakes win at Doomben

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Rob Heathcote is hopeful talented sprinter Sir Rocket can deliver on his potential to claim his first stakes race in the Listed Tattersall’s Members Cup at Doomben on Saturday.

Sir Rocket landed his first win for Heathcote when he outclassed the Scott Morrisey-trained Safework in a 1350 metre Class 6 at Doomben on August 20.

The six-year-old was previously trained at the Gold Coast by Michael Costa before he moved to Dubai to train for Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sir Rocket won the Magic Millions Country Cup at the Gold Coast in January when under Costa’s care.

The galloper has only been in Heathcote’s stable for three starts, including the Listed Ramornie Handicap at Grafton in July.

“He had no luck when he had his first run for me in the Ramornie and no luck second up behind Snowzone at Doomben,” Heathcote said.

“Tegan Harrison won on him last start and she’ll ride him again.

“It’s a big test for him in a Listed race but I’m expecting a nice run and he’ll be very competitive.”

Meanwhile, Heathcote is set to launch his spring carnival assault at Moonee Valley on Saturday with stable mates Rothfire and Prince of Boom.

Rothfire is set to make his Melbourne debut in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes over 1000 metres while Prince of Boom starts in the Listed Chautauqua Stakes over 1200 metres.

It was originally planned to fly the pair to Melbourne on Tuesday night before the flight was cancelled and a rescheduled flight will now leave on Wednesday evening.

Rothfire last raced when a gallant third to Alligator Blood in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap in June.

Prince Of Boom was at the end of his campaign when the gelding contested the Group 3 Fred Best at Eagle Farm in May.

Heathcote is also pleased with Startantes, who was given an easy barrier trial at Doomben on Tuesday, ahead of her Sydney spring carnival campaign in Sydney.

Winner of the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm at her last appearance in June, Startantes (pictured) dropped out to last early in her 1000 metre hit-out before running on well to finish fifth to the Tony Gollan-trained Baller.

Startantes will run in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes over 1200 metres at Rosehill on Saturday week ahead of her main mission in the $10 million The Golden Eagle over 1500 metres at Rosehill on October 29.

“It was always going to be a soft trial as I didn’t want her to do too much before she runs on Saturday week in the Sheraco Stakes,” Heathcote said.

“She’s come back well after the winter carnival and still has good residual fitness.”