Rothfire lands champion jockey Willo for Rockhampton's $1 million The Archer
Following a runner-up effort last year, elite rider Craig Williams plans another trip to Rockhampton for the $1 million The Archer (1300m) this Sunday, secured to steer Robert Heathcote's Rothfire.
This pairing offers significant appeal to the Rockhampton Jockey Club, marking the fifth year of the slot event.
Williams managed two outings on last year's Rockhampton card, placing second in The Archer with Tony Gollan's Comrade Rosa, and noted his enthusiasm for the return after racing in Adelaide Saturday and Hong Kong Sunday.
"I ran second in the race last year," Williams said.
"I enjoyed my time up there, it's a million-dollar race and I ran second so naturally I want to win it now.
Rothfire, an eight-year-old gelding, matches the highest official rating alongside Lindsay Park's Group One winner Here To Shock, who leads last season's Stradbroke Handicap runner-up Yellow Brick by a single point.
During the previous Stradbroke, Williams piloted Rothfire to seventh place and voiced excitement about rejoining the 'Thriller from Chinchilla'.
"He's going to be one of the best weighted horses in the race," Williams said.
"He's the best rated horse in the race. Whether that means he can win is another thing because it'll be a strong race, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
The Archer, held with set weights and penalties, assigns Rothfire 57.5kg to carry, while Here To Shock gets 59.5kg from his Group 1 BCD Sprint (1400m) triumph in New Zealand.
Early markets position Rothfire at $6 in the third betting line for The Archer, behind the $4 favorite Yellow Brick.
Visit top online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the race at Rockhampton.
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