Queensland’s pocket rocket Rothfire burnt off his rivals in a dominant win in the Group 2 $200,000 De Bortoli Wines Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill today.
Rothfire, above, is now the favourite for the Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill following his win in the Run To The Rose. Photo by Steve Hart.
The Robert Heathcote trained Rothfire is now the clear cut $3 favourite at Ladbtokes.com.au for the Group 1 $1m Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on September 26.
Winning jockey Jim Byrne on was happy to sit well off the tearaway leader Farnan after Hugh Bowman let the $2.40 favourite set up a five lengths gap over the rest of the field approaching the home turn.
Byrne waited until heads were turned for before setting out to chase the tiring Farnan and Rothfire ($5) took charge at the 250m and went on to record a 0ne and a half lengths win over Ole Kirk ($31) with North Pacific ($4) in third.
Farnan faded in the run to the line to finish fifth, three and three quarter lengths from the winner.
Heathcote has two weeks to get Rothfire prepared for the Golden Rose Stakes before concentrating on the $15m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 17.
Rothfire has already been locked in to run in The Everest slot owned by Mieverest and the Queenslander is equal second favourite at $6.50 with Gytrash behind the $4 favouirite Nature Strip with Ladbrokes.com.au.
Stable representative Mel Sharpe expects Rothfire to take great improvement from today’s win in the Run To The Rose and is excited about his winning chances in the Golden Rose.
“I think the horse has a lot more improvement as we missed that trial and he had an exhibition gallop so it’s onwards and upwards for this lad,” Sharpe said.
“Gee that is exciting (going to The Everest). The miRunners people will be pretty pumped. Not as pumped as I am.”
“Just excited for what is to come.”Sharpe said.
“This little horse keeps defying all the odds, taking the next step, going through it all, this is the beginning and there is just so much more to come.”
“He is an absolute gem to be honest. He is a real dude. Not much phases him to be honest. He got off the float on Thursday and had a nice spring in his step. This has been a massive team effort from everyone at home as well, doing all the long hours and big congrats to all the connections. This is overwhelming.”
“Rob had a really good lengthy chat with Jimmy prior to coming to the races today. We always said if Farnan wants to cross him then let him and we’ll sit in behind him, don’t expose him and have him where he is happy.”
