Cover image by Albert Perez courtesy of AAP Photos
The Eagle Farm-based Heathcote admitted he had been a bundle of nerves before the XXX Dry-sponsored feature, but as it turned out there was never a moment’s concern as Rothfire reigned supreme.
The precocious youngster was sent out favourite off the back of his G2 Champagne Classic victory and weight of expectation sat comfortably on his powerful shoulders as he strolled home for the sixth win of his seven-start career.
“He’s climbed his Everest today and I want to use that word,” Heathcote said. “I did an interview with MiRunners the other day and they’ve got an Everest slot so that might put him in the reckoning.
“He’s climbed his Everest today and I want to use that word." - Robert Heathcote
“He’s a bombproof horse and just jumps and just goes to sleep. The G1 Coolmore would also be a really nice race for him.”
Rothfire was quickly into stride on Saturday and rider Jim Byrne was happy to let Wisdom Of Water (Headwater) and Isotope (Deep Field) go around him and then bided his time, purring along behind the pair.
He was into the clear at the top of the straight and cruised to the front 250 metres from home and, with a minimum of urging, powered clear.
Favourable comparison
Heathcote has regularly rated Rothfire favourably with his former stable star Buffering (Mossman), who won 20 races including seven Group 1 sprint titles with international success in the Meydan Al Quoz Sprint and career earnings in excess of $6.4 million.
For the seasoned conditioner to make comparisons is a clear indication of what Heathcote believes Rothfire is capable of in the future.
He also heaped praise on the role his jockey Byrne played in the outcome of the Atkins.
“That’s the beauty of a guy like Jimmy – he’s so calm and I’ve been a bundle of nerves. Jimmy said if they have him on he’d take a sit and they wouldn’t beat him," he said.
Jim Byrne
Rothfire will go for a break on Monday morning and then Heathcote will begin making a plan for the spring.
“I’ll take him to the paddock myself and then take a breather before we start to think and we haven’t put anything in concrete,” Heathcote said. “There are a couple of races in Sydney that would suit him as well.”
“I’ll take him to the paddock myself and then take a breather before we start to think and we haven’t put anything in concrete.” – Rob Heathcote
For Byrne, the Group 1 success crowned his return from injury following two operations in the past six months since he suffered a broken leg in a fall before Christmas. He admitted post-race that reuniting with Rothfire was a motivating factor during his recovery.
Bred by Gleeson Thoroughbred Connections, Rothfire is a son of Huss On Fire (NZ) (Hussonet {USA}), who was unraced and has also produced the winners Rylee’s Saga (Real Saga {USA}) and Smokin’ Hussay (Rothfire).
Rothesay, sire of Rothfire | Standing at Lyndhurst Stud
Rothfire is the first Group 1 winner for his Lyndhurst Stud Farm-based sire Rothesay, a son of Fastnet Rock who won the G2 Queensland Guineas, who has also been represented by the G3 George Moore S. winner Chapter And Verse.
While he won the JJ Atkins by a 3.3l margin, there was also a ton of merit in the performance of the runner-up Gotta Kiss (Not A Single Doubt). She got a mile back in the field and unwound strongly in the run home.
The Drinks Cart (Unencumbered) also finished off well for third, as did the next runner home Overlord (Sebring) with the well-supported Wisdom Of Water (Headwater) next.
