2025 BRC Sprint: Robert Heathcote poised to spring upset with luckless $2.3m earner Abounding
After almost conjuring a Group 1 big-odds blowout for the ages last Saturday, Rob Heathcote has confidence he can spring a mighty upset in the Group 3 BRC Sprint.
Fresh off only narrowly being denied with evergreen warrior at $41 in the Doomben 10,000, the Eagle Farm trainer has $2.3m earner Abounding in Saturday's race at Doomben which offers the winner a golden ticket into the Stradbroke Handicap.
Abounding resumed in the Group 2 Victory Stakes earlier this month but the filly was out in the cheap seats from a wide barrier and finished 10th, beaten four lengths.
It continued a run of shocking gates for Abounding, the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner of last year.
In her past five starts, Abounding has drawn barriers 12, 13, 15, 10 and 16.
Martin Harley has ridden Abounding in her past 13 starts including the 2024 Magic Millions triumph, but Sydney jockey Tommy Berry takes the mount in the 1350m race on Saturday.
Abounding over the top in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas! @mmsnippets @GCTurfClub @FirstLight_FLR pic.twitter.com/HEDxsjRtt5
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 13, 2024
'I am delighted with this filly, she had zero luck first-up,' Heathcote said.
'She was caught wide but I can probably say that for nearly all of her recent runs.
'She has had no luck dating right back to the (2024) Magic Millions, but she is definitely Group class.
'Whether she is Group 1 or not, we will find out down the track.
'She will head towards the (Group 1) Tatt's Tiara and we have nominated her for the Stradbroke.
'Her rating already has her close to getting into the Stradbroke and this race on Saturday will tell us more.
'My track work rider gave her a whiz around Doomben this morning and she went super.
'Hopefully the track will continue to dry out for her.
'I think she is in the same sort of form that won her the Magic Millions last year.'
• 'They'll have to carry me back': Cejay dreams of Doomben Cup upset
Four-year-old mare Abounding is a $26 chance in the BRC Sprint but the Heathcote camp feels she is a far better chance than her price suggests, especially if she finally gets a favourable barrier draw.
Rothfire is also a $26 chance for his next assignment – Saturday week's Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm.
After almost knocking off favourite Sunshine In Paris in the Doomben 10,000, the ageless sprinter has continued to thrive.
'Rothy is fantastic,' Heathcote said.
'I had him under saddle this morning for the first time this morning since Saturday.
'I could not be happier with him and he will go into the Kingsford Smith Cup a better chance than his $26 price reflects.'
Sir Delius impresses in his Australian debut, surging to victory at Doomben! @GaiWaterhouse1 @clarkyhk
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 17, 2025
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott -trained import, who won his first race Down Under, will be set for a spring Cups campaign including in the Melbourne Cup where he is now a $15 chance.
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