The Best From The Best - Heathcote's Saturday Mail

Courtesy of Racenet

Rob Heathcote tipped Racenet punters into a $31 winner two weeks ago and on Saturday Queensland’s premier trainer believes he’s got the winner of the Group III WJ Healy Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

Heathcote gave Griffon a glowing report before his devastating win in the Listed Lightning Stakes (1000m) on June 9. The ex-Sydneysider tackles Saturday’s race and his trainer believes he can repeat the dose.

"He was really impressive the other day and he’s gone on from it since,” Heathcote said.

"He’s a big, strong animal. Bart Cummings had him before me and there were always big raps on him.

"When he first arrived here I never really thought I had him right but now he’s ready to go.”

The trainer also saddles up Excellantes, who finished fifth in the Lightning after enduring a tough run.

"He worked across from a wide gate and was still there at the finish,” he said. "Damien [Browne] jumped off and said he should have finished a lot closer.

"Excellantes will be a lot better suited back up to the 1200 metres. It was always a big ask for him to come back to the 1000 metres last start.”

Heathcote said he expects both runners to figure prominently with "the right run” in transit.

"I’d say they’re my best two chances on Saturday but only one of them can win,” he said.

"I wouldn’t be surprised if we got the quinella.”