Heathcote Saves Best For Last

Saturday 28 May, 2011
Grant Stockwell
Premier trainer Robert Heathcote left the best until last when his underrated sprinter Gundy Son scored a heart-stopping win at Doomben on Saturday.
Heathcote went to Doomben hoping for his best day at the races with a host of leading chances including Buffering in the Doomben 10,000, but nothing went right until the last race.
Gundy Son returned to form with a big win in the $80,000 Listed Chief De Beers Handicap (1110m) and ensured Heathcote's record of training a winner at every carnival meeting so far stayed intact.

"That's what you call saving something from the fire," Heathcote said.
"There's no doubt he's a very good horse and the 1110 metres was my only fear leading into the race.
"It's been one of those days when things haven't gone to plan but we've finished the day off on a high." A series of awkward barriers and circumstances saw us having a very unlucky day until Gundy brought it home!
Talented jockey Paul Hammersley rode with supreme confidence on Gundy Son and the horse found the line powerfully to score a half-neck win over Metallurgical in a blanket finish.
Sunshine Coast gelding Nickiera was a short neck back third with Gold Trail a half-head away fourth.
Metallurgical's rider Scott Galloway said the horse's effort was full of merit.
"He's improving with every run," he said.
"It was probably a bit short for him today but there's much better things in store for him over the carnival."
Heathcote now has to decide what path to take with Gundy Son and said his thoughts were focused on probably the Eye Liner Stakes at Ipswich and the Glasshouse Handicap over 1400 mtrs at the Sunshine Coast.
"They're the two races we've got our eye on, now that hes shown he is back near his best " he said.
“These are the type of races that I think will suit this horse."

Photo Noel Pascoe