ROTHFIRE TRACKING WELL FOR SPRING RETURN

Rothfire on course for Group 1 return in Spring

Heathcote witnessed his stable star put in a full tilt performance under jockey Taylor Marshall as he targets Rothfire at the Golden Eagle and The Everest in a bid for the Sydney riches of spring.

Until this week Rothfire hadn’t been using the full capacity in his comeback, however today was a huge benchmark in his bid to return to the track as the QLD runner fired on all cylinders in a full gallop, stretching out fully for the first time.

“I have been apprehensive each time he has worked since the injury but my confidence levels have grown considerably after this morning’s workout,” Heathcote said.

“Up until now it had always been two steps forward and one step back to assess him, but today he took a big leap forward to a successful return to racing.

“It was his most serious piece of work since his injury back in September last year.

“He went up the straight in a tick under 22 seconds. Taylor later commented he didn’t mean to go that fast but the horse did it all himself and he felt like he had plenty left.

“The good news as far as I am concerned is how he has pulled up.

“He joints are nice and cold with no heat or filling and no sensitivity at all.”

Rothfire was on for a huge 2021after winning the Group 1 JJ Atkins before injury in the Golden Rose, when a $1.55 favourite, ruled him out of the Everest and subsequently ended his campaign for the year.

TAB currently has Rothfire as a $21 shot for the Everest and he sits at $11 in betting for the Golden Eagle behind Ayrton and Mo’unga at $8 in betting.

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