Heathcote Pair Face Challenge In Gunsynd
- Friday, 24 April 2015 07:57
Trainer Robert Heathcote can't separate promising stayers Fusina and Gid Up Strop but admits he is unsure how they will measure up against the interstate challenge at the Gold Coast.
The stablemates take on some talented opposition in Saturday's Group Three Gunsynd Plate (1800m) which this year is a major lead-up to the Queensland Derby (2200m) on June 6.
Fusina has won his past two starts and Gid Up Strop was a powerful winner at Doomben at his last start but Heathcote admits it will be no easy task for the two on Saturday.
"Peter Moody has three horses in the race, Sam Kavanagh has a horse with plenty of wraps on it and the Caloundra galloper Worthy Cause was a very good winner last Saturday," Heathcote said.
However, he expects Fusina and Gid Up Strop to both be in the finish.
"You can throw away the breeding book with Fusina but all along he has shown us he wants to get over some ground."
Fusina is by Group One winning sprinter Nicconi and his dam Chenar won seven races, all over 1200 metres.
Heathcote's wife Vicki is the major shareholder in Fusina who will be ridden by Glen Colless.
"Gid Up Strop has been our Derby horse from the start and I am pleased with him. He is bred to stay but he also has a strong turn of foot," Heathcote said.
Damian Browne rides Gid Up Strop who is raced by his breeder, Think Big Stud.
The Moody-trained Ulmann ($4.80) shades Worthy Cause ($5) for favouritism with Gid Up Strop at $5.50.
Heathcote will have to wait until Saturday morning to find out if he has a Hollindale Stakes runner with Hopfgarten fourth emergency.
The scratching of Banca Mo has given Leebaz a start with Wish Come True and Pornichet the next in line.
