Rothera Nearing Racetrack Return
- Tuesday, 16 August 2011 02:01
One of Queensland’s more accomplished open class gallopers is about to make a competitive return to the racetrack.
The Ben Currie-trained Rothera was put through his paces by jockey Priscilla Schmidt in an 800 metre trial at Doomben this morning, finishing last in the field of five.
Rothera is likely to resume in a $50,000 Open Handicap (1200m) at Doomben next Saturday and in doing so, Currie is treading a well-worn path with the six-year-old gelded son of Tobougg.
Rothera's past two preparations have commenced with a single trial, where he has finished towards the rear of the field, with an eleven day break to his first-up assignment which has been in an open handicap over six furlongs.
That plan seems to have worked with Rothera claiming the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last October prior to being injured in a rough renewal of the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
H
e returned in the autumn with a brief three start preparation which culminated with success in the Listed Members Cup (1600m) at Eagle Farm.
Rothera, who is nominated for the Cox Plate and Caulfield Cup, has raced 27 times for 11 wins and a second placing, with prizemoney currently standing at $331,150.
Pictures: Quentin Lang & Sportpix
