Heathcote ready to fire with trial star

Trainer Robert Heathcote has only one regret about his latest purchase.

Heathcote has a reputation for being able to pick up smart horses in private sales and has also been a successful breeder.

If barrier trials are any indication two-year-old Rothfire could be the latest to add to his reputation.

Rothfire makes his debut against a strong field in the QTIS Two-Year-Old (1000m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The gelding won his first trial at Doomben two weeks ago by 7-1/2 lengths, running faster time than most of the older horses that day.

Heathcote assured Rothfire was ready for Saturday's race by sending him around in a 650m trial at Deagon on Tuesday which he also won.

"He has shown us a bit on the training track and in trials but of course they have to do it on race day," Heathcote said.

"We bought him in a private sale off the breeders and then syndicated him."

"My only regret about that is he isn't a Magic Millions horse."

Rothfire is by leading sire Rothesay and Heathcote has had recent success with the breed, including smart three-year-old Guntantes.

Heathcote will have a strong hand in the Open races on a Saturday headed by mare Stella Victoria in the DSS Law Handicap (1200m).

Stella Victoria, who won a recent Doomben barrier trial in slick time, is headed towards chasing black-type races in the summer.

Heathcote also has former star sprinter Buffering's three-quarter brother No Annamosity in the same race and the consistent Zafonic Dancer in the Clayfield Jewellery Handicap (1600m).

He expects them both to run well.