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| Sumita Pawar |
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There's a chance that Rothfire, the talented Queensland racehorse who has missed out on competing in The Everest twice due to injuries, may finally have the opportunity to participate in the lucrative race this year.
On Friday night, the Gr.1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley will determine the fate of Rothfire, who is currently priced at US$8. He faces fierce competition from the favorite and potential standout horse, Imperatriz. One slot holder has shown significant interest in Rothfire, making him a potential contender in The Everest.
In his last three races, Rothfire has finished as a runner-up to Imperatriz and Think About It, with a third-place finish in another Group One race.
Although Trainer Rob Heathcote remains cautious, he admires the now 6YO sprinter who made an impressive comeback after a devastating fractured sesamoid bone in 2020.
"I have been in this situation twice before, I have been on the doorstep of an Everest but it hasn't come to fruition," Heathcote said.
"We know he is going to race well on Friday night so we will see what happens.
"I am trying to keep a lid on it.
"We have been here before and not got to the big dance (Everest).
"On Friday night, barrier one could be the tricky bit. I've had a couple of form guys tell me that I have drawn the best barrier. But I've said that barrier one can often get you in trouble.
"At least from barrier one, if we do happen to get unlucky it will be very obvious that we have been unlucky."
Having won 12 Group Ones, Brisbane trainer Heathcote has developed a deep admiration for the Kiwi sprinter Imperatriz. After seeing her effortlessly pass Rothfire in the McEwen Stakes, he wonders if she may be inclined to race beyond the 1000m distance of the Moir.
"She (Imperatriz) won very well last time but she did get plenty of favours with the way the race was run," Heathcote said.
"Had Giga Kick not taken off, would Imperatriz have beaten us? I'm not sure of the answer, but it's an interesting question."
Rothfire, the winner of Group One, earned the nickname "Thriller From Chinchilla" due to being bred in a small-scale breeding facility located in the country town of Chinchilla, situated 300km northwest of Brisbane.