Rothfire ready for Group 1 return in 2025 Doomben 10,000
Rothfire hasn’t tasted victory since late 2022, but that hasn’t stopped trainer Robert Heathcote from giving the gelding another shot at Group 1 glory in Saturday’s Doomben 10,000.
The resilient seven-year-old is no stranger to comebacks, and after an encouraging run in the Victory Stakes earlier this month, Heathcote is optimistic his stable star can still feature at the elite level.
“When he gives me the slightest sign that he no longer enjoys training, he no longer enjoys what he does, then I’ll know,” Heathcote said. “I know this horse better than my wife.”
The 2020 JJ Atkins winner has endured an injury-riddled career but has still managed 10 wins from 33 starts. His only previous crack at the Doomben 10,000 came in 2022 when he finished fifth.
Heathcote confirmed Tim Clark will take the reins in the 1200m sprint, with Rothfire currently listed as a $26 shot on most online betting sites.
Facing stiff opposition from the likes of Schwarz, Overpass and Benedetta, Rothfire will need to bring his best—but with four runs under his belt this prep, his trainer believes he’s ready to do just that.
“He fought off a couple of challengers last start and kept going. Under different conditions, I think he can still win a big one,” Heathcote said.
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