Solzhenitsyn Stamps His Class

Former New Zealand sprinter Solzhenitsyn threw his hat into the ring for a trip to Melbourne for the spring following an explosive victory in the Eagle Boys Pizza Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.

Trainer Rob Heathcote will make a decision in the coming days whether the four-year-old will be part of a seven-strong team based at Flemington this spring.

The son of St Petersburg was previously trained in New Zealand by Richard Otto but connections, which include Heathcote's bloodstock agent, Paul Willetts, decided he had a better future in Brisbane after attempts to sell him to Hong Kong failed.

"There was some interest in him to go to Hong Kong but I'm glad his owners didn't sell him and gave him to me," Heathcote said.

"I think he's a very serious racehorse and I'm confident you won't see the best of him until he gets to 1600 metres or more.

"Paul Willetts is the best bloodstock agent around and I've had a lot of dealings with him since I first started training."

Solzhenitsyn was having only his third start for Heathcote who used blinkers on the gelding following his previous fourth to Balavan at Caloundra on July 2.

Solzhenitsyn was the second leg of a winning double for Heathcote who arrived back in Brisbane last week following a short holiday in Canada.

Heathcote earlier won the Coca-Cola Handicap (2020m) with Simmering, his one-time Queensland Derby hope.

Both were handled superbly by jockey Jim Byrne, who was given full marks by Heathcote.

Heathcote has booked seven stables at Flemington for the spring which will be spearheaded by his star sprinters Buffering and Woorim.

Solzhenitsyn produced a stunning finish to down Whateverwhenever by 1-3/4 lengths with Eastline a further three-quarters of a length back third.

Heathcote has a runaway lead in the Brisbane trainer's premiership and is set to claim his third successive title this season.

While Heathcote ponders a trip away for Solzhenitsyn, Simmering will remain at home and could be ready for the paddock by the time spring arrives.

"Simmering was going to be my Queensland Derby runner but he got a stone bruise and missed a few weeks work at a crucial time," Heathcote said.

"I doubt he'll go away to Melbourne."

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Photo: Graham Potter