Heathcote hopes to toast a Swiss Ace win from Mexico

By Glenn Davis

Holidaying trainer Robert Heathcote hopes to celebrate with a few coronas and a couple of shots of tequila in Mexico if he can claim the Swiss Ace Plate at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

Heathcote has talented sprinters Prince Of Boom and The Big Goodbye in the event. 

Heathcote darted off on a 12-day golfing break to Mexico last week and missed watching Extremist win the Listed Keith Noud Stakes at Doomben last Saturday.

“I’m very fortunate and proud to be able to take a holiday as I’ve got such good staff back home,” Heathcote said from Mexico.

“I’m on a golfing vacation which was organised by a few mates 12 months ago.

“I played golf at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles on the way here and it was the highlight of my golfing career.”

Heathcote will be watching from Mexico when Prince Of Boom starts for the first time since winning the Group 3 Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm in June.

He will be joined in the Swiss Ace Plate by The Big Goodbye - a Michael Rodd mount – who is having his first start since winning the Listed Ramornie at Grafton in July.

Heathcote fears Prince Of Boom may be vulnerable despite being a first-up specialist with three wins from five attempts. 

Prince Of Boom is unbeaten at his only two starts over the 1000 metre dash.

“I just feel he might be a little vulnerable even though it’s over 1000 metres,” Heathcote said.

“He’s not quite right in the coat which will be evident when he parades.

"He had a wonderful winter with three stakes wins so we gave him an extended break and he’s come back and won two barrier trials.

“His main aim is the Magic Millions and there’s three races he’s eligible for.

“The Magic Millions will be his grand final before he gets ready for the winter carnival again.”

Heathcote also is having a throw at the stumps in the Mooloolaba Cup with Dune Forty Five.

Dune Forty Five has had seven starts for Heathcote since being moved on from former Caloundra trainer Tony Haydon and is coming off a last start second to stable mate Ekaterina at Eagle Farm on November 4.

“He’s been a revelation for the stable and his first-up run was brilliant,” Heathcote said.

“He’s going to be better suited to the mile and he’s been stakes placed. I’m confident he can go on with the job.”