Rothfire returns to The Valley for 2025 Moir Stakes
Queensland sprinter Rothfire is ready to chase another Moonee Valley feature, lining up in the $750,000 Group 1 Moir Stakes on Saturday.
The Valley has been a happy hunting ground for the eight-year-old, who won the Group 2 McEwen Stakes at this meeting in 2021 before chasing home Imperatriz and Giga Kick the following year.
Trainer Rob Heathcote has been encouraged by his lead-up trial. “I gave him a trial last week at Doomben and he was fantastic,” he said. “Martin Harley… got off and he said he feels like a three-year-old. He flew down on Thursday night, he travelled brilliantly and he’s settled into the Hayes stables like he’d never left.”
Rothfire was one of 21 entries for the Moir, with rivals including last year’s winner Mornington Glory, Group 1 gallopers Skybird and Queman, and rising sprinters Alabama Lass, Niance and Esha. His last appearance in Melbourne was a fifth in the 2023 edition of the Moir, and he will have a look around the track on Tuesday morning.
Luke Nolen has secured the ride, stepping in for the suspended Ben Melham. Nolen has partnered Rothfire once previously, in the 2022 Champions Sprint. “He is on the comeback trail and he’s coming off a long injury, however, 40 Group 1s do look good on your resume,” Heathcote said. The Moir will be Nolen’s first Group 1 ride since last year’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes after his long injury layoff.
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