Rothfire out to do it again

Trainer Rob Heathcote has declared the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes at Randwick on Saturday asThe Everest “Mark 2”.

The field of 15 plus four emergencies also includes Japanese raider, Strauss, a three-time winner from 11 starts. 

"It's The Everest without the Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising," said Heathcote. 

"All the super stars are in it and it's one of the strongest races I've seen for a long time." 

Heathcote is a 12-times Group 1 winner and is hopeful his old warrior Rothfire can climb his own Everest in the Russel Balding Stakes over 1300 metres. 

Heathcote felt the same degree of satisfaction as winning at the highest level when Rothfire won the $2m Group 3 Sydney Stakes at Randwick on October 18. 

The Sydney Stakes is regarded as the consolation race for sprinters who miss out on the chance of competing in the $20m The Everest which was won this year by Hong Kong's sensation Ka Ying Rising. 

An eight-year-old gelding, Rothfire has missed out competing in the world's richest turf race three times because of injuries and was first emergency when he missed out again in this year's The Everest. 

"It was an unbelievable win from Rothfire last time and I'm happy with the way he's pulled up," Heathcote said. 

"He had three days out at Lindsay Park at Euroa and he's done well. 

"He's an eight-year-old now and he needs a lot of tlc, so every race could well be his last. 

"But there's no thought of retiring him yet. The day he shows us he's not enjoying it any more is when he'll be retired." 

While Rothfire chases his 12th win of his career, Heathcote will be hoping to increase his number of Group 1 wins with Abounding in the Empire Rose Stakes over 1600 metres at Flemington on Saturday. 

Abounding finished second in the Group 1 Tatt's Tiara at Eagle Farm in June before setting sail for the Melbourne spring where she placed in three consecutive Group races before a dominant win in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield last start. 

Heathcote was over the moon with Abounding's win in the Empire Rose and believes she's maintained her fitness level. 

"It was an outstanding win from her," he said. 

"It was her fourth run during the Melbourne carnival and with any luck she could have been four from four. 

"The Empire Rose is a genuine Group 1 and she just needs a good ride and a bit of luck to win again."