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| Staff Writer |
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Trainer Rob Heathcote has enlisted the help of renowned jockey Blake Shinn to partner with his talented horse Rothfire for the upcoming Victorian spring campaign. The duo will compete against other top contenders in the Gr.2 McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley in September where Rothfire will look to defend his title from last year's race.
Despite a challenging journey, Rothfire is currently in his prime form, according to Heathcote, who is optimistic about his chances in the upcoming competition. The horse has made significant progress after his impressive performance in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap, where he carried top weight.
Heathcote has expressed his confidence in Shinn, who he believes is one of the best jockeys in the country at present. The trainer is keen to have Shinn on board after he helped Rothfire secure third place in the Gr.1 Kingsford Smith Cup during the winter.
Rothfire is expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming race, thanks to his impressive track record and the combined efforts of his talented trainer and jockey. With the support of his team, Rothfire is set to deliver a thrilling performance in the McEwen Stakes.
"Some guys I know in Sydney say he is the best in Australia at the moment, it's who you want on," Heathcote said.
"He trials on the 29th, official trial, then he flies down the following week and runs in the McEwen on the 9th, it will be a big race.
"I think Giga Kick and a few others like Imperatriz are going there, it will be a Group One preview.
"He has come back and is in as good of order as he has ever been and he is carrying fitness from his run in the Stradbroke.
"You look back and he really had a super year, he won about $1.6m, that's good in any year."
From Hong Kong To Victoria: Shinn's Riding Journey
After winning the Scobie Breasley Medal, Shinn is feeling quite confident in his riding abilities. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the Victorian riding community since returning from Hong Kong. In addition, Heathcote has revealed that Nash Rawiller has been offered the opportunity to ride Rothfire after the McEwen, owing to his impressive performance in the Stradbroke.
"When Nash got off him in the Stradbroke, he was unbelievably enthusiastic, he got off and said ‘wow, this horse was beaten so many times and kept finding.'," he said.
"The offer is there for him to ride him because he said he wanted to, but Blake is going to ride him in the McEwen.
"We will go to the (Group 1) Moir and possibly the (Group 2) Schillaci before the (Group 1) Manikato.
"If the tracks are dry, he will be going around."