Cover image courtesy of Trackside Photography
Race-day recap
The Robert Heathcote-trained 8-year-old Rothfire (Mossman) was brilliant winning the G1 Doomben 10,000 in the hands of jockey Brad Rawiller.
Kilman (NZ) (Super Seth) was an all-the-way winner for trainer Chris Waller and jockey Ryan Maloney in the G3 Rough Habit Plate at Doomben.
Tuileries (So You Think {NZ}) was simply too good in the G3 Dark Jewel Classic at Scone, giving weight and a beating to her opposition for trainer Peter Snowden.
Cigar Flick (Churchill {Ire}) was a brilliant winner of the Listed Bright Shadow at Doomben for trainer Chris Waller and jockey Tommy Berry.
Rachel King found the inside rail to score a narrow but thrilling win on Miss Freelove (Tassort) in the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes at Scone for trainer Peter Snowden.
The warhorse Rothfire takes out the 10,000
To the roar of the Doomben crowd, the Queensland 8-year-old warrior Rothfire (Mossman) claimed a second Group 1 victory in Saturday’s G1 Doomben 10,000, delivering a hugely emotional result for trainer Rob Heathcote and jockey Brad Rawiller.
The race was run at a searching tempo from the outset as Zarastro (I Am Invincible) burned across under Daniel Moor to lead, while the well-backed Napoleonic (Wootton Bassett {GB}) enjoyed a handy but wide run with cover just off the speed.
Rothfire settled well back and trapped wide throughout, while favourite Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) was buried away nearer the inside and searching for room.
As the field swept into the straight, Napoleonic loomed strongly down the outside and looked set to take control, but wider out Rothfire was charging with purpose.
The veteran gelding lengthened brilliantly under Rawiller to put the race away, with Spicy Martini (Justify {USA}) flashing through nearer the rail to grab second, narrowly ahead of Napoleonic, while Jimmysstar worked home into fourth after enduring little luck in running.
Remarkably, the victory gave the son of Mossman his second Group 1 success, coming six years after his triumph in the G1 JJ Atkins Plate as a 2-year-old.
Rothfire winning the G1 Doomben 10,000 | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
It was a fitting reward for one of Queensland racing’s toughest and most popular horses, with Heathcote reflecting emotionally on the journey post-race.
“What a journey this horse has taken us on. Oli Peoples rides him in all his work, he’s got tears flowing.” Heathcote said.
“What a journey this horse (Rothfire) has taken us on. Oli Peoples rides him in all his work, he’s got tears flowing.” - Rob Heathcote
“I was here when Black Caviar won, Buffering ran third and I was here when Buff got knocked off so redemption is sweet. What a ride by Brad Rawiller, he came up here for one ride. I love him.”
Heathcote admitted the lead-up had been far from straightforward, particularly around securing a jockey.
Rob Heathcote | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“It was a bit of a crazy week because we didn’t know who was going to be riding him. There was a stage there when it was going to be one of the local boys, but I really wanted one of the southern boys because they just get the job done.
“Brad got it done for us today, it’s a very special story and I thought we’d reached the pinnacle when he won the Sydney Stakes, but this one tops it off.”
The trainer also reflected on what the horse has meant to both his stable and career.
“He’s won nearly $6 million for us now, so it’s just unbelievable.
“He’s (Rothfire) won nearly $6 million for us now, so it’s just unbelievable.” - Rob Heathcote
“This is the culmination of my career, I’ve had many highlights but to win this race in front of such a wonderful crowd against a quality field and with all my family here, it means the world to me. It’s just super.”
Rawiller said confidence in the gelding never wavered despite suggestions the veteran may have been past his peak.
Brad Rawiller with Rothfire after winning the G1 Doomben 10,000 | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“It makes it even better for Nash to greet me when I came back in. I had so much confidence coming into the race, I know you could make a case for him being past his best, but the two iron men have combined.
“It was D-Day for both of us, and I thought I had a genuine chance in a Group 1. I’ve won 26 now and I’d like to think I’ve got some more left in me.”
“It was D-Day for both of us, and I thought I had a genuine chance in a Group 1. I’ve won 26 now and I’d like to think I’ve got some more left in me.” - Brad Rawiller
The experienced rider felt the wide run ultimately suited the gelding perfectly.
“I knew he had the speed but I didn’t want to get into a speed battle because it would have been game over.”
“I loved the three-wide, four-wide line for him today. I thought we’d be able to find the best ground out there, and when he came back underneath me he got a little bit strong.”
“He was picking up before the turn and with old horses, you just need to give them that little bit of confidence. You know he’ll keep giving because he’s a fighter, but he also has to look after himself so you can’t do it at both ends.
“You know he’ll (Rothfire) keep giving because he’s a fighter, but he also has to look after himself so you can’t do it at both ends.” - Brad Rawiller
Sales info: Rothfire was bred by Gleeson Thoroughbred Connections Pty Ltd and was purchased by his trainer sight unseen by Robert Heathcote privately.
Pedigree info: Rothfire is one of three winners out of the unraced Hussonet (USA) mare Huss On Fire (NZ). The family is not prolific on blacktype but is full of good solid winners, two stakes winners that feature in the extended family are the Listed winners It’s Been A Battle (Nicconi) and Sniparoochy (Snippetson).
Kilman takes control in Rough Habit triumph
A confident front-running ride from Ryan Maloney guided the Chris Waller-trained Kilman (NZ) (Super Seth) to victory in the G3 Rough Habit Plate at Doomben, continuing the stable’s remarkable dominance in one of the key lead-ups to the G1 Queensland Derby.
The win gave Waller his fourth consecutive success in the race and further enhanced Kilman’s staying credentials after strong recent performances in both the G3 Carbine Club Stakes and G2 Queensland Guineas.
Despite arriving off those solid efforts, the gelding drifted beyond $20 in betting, but Maloney ensured his rivals were chasing throughout.
From the outset, Kilman rolled forward to take control and was allowed to dictate at a genuine tempo before kicking strongly turning for home.
The well-supported favourite Accidental Bid (GB) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) enjoyed the ideal trail in second but couldn’t go with the winner late, fading over the concluding stages.
Beauty Swift (Pierro) worked home well for second for trainer Matthew Smith, while Providence (Wootton Bassett {GB}) boxed on gamely into third under James McDonald.
Kilman winning the G3 Rough Habit Plate | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
Further back, New Zealand filly Solid Gold (NZ) (Savabeel) caught the eye charging home into fifth in what looked an encouraging Queensland Oaks rehearsal, with the rise in distance, firmer surface and spacious Eagle Farm circuit all likely to suit the long-striding filly.
Waller said Kilman had continued to improve physically throughout the campaign.
“He’s made a lot of physical progression. He ran well in the Carbine Club and he was excellent again today under a very good ride by Ryan.”
The leading trainer also took positives from the run of stablemate Providence ahead of the Derby.
Chris Waller | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“Providence also ran really well, he sat wide and James was really happy with the run. He said he’d come through it well so he’s on track for the Derby.”
Maloney said confidence in the gelding had grown significantly after his previous outing.
“I was really rapt with his run the other day. He was able to dictate that day and Chris was happy for me to go forward on him today.”
“I was really rapt with his run the other day. He was able to dictate that day and Chris was happy for me to go forward on him today.” - Ryan Maloney
The jockey admitted the wide barrier initially posed some questions, but the gelding made the task easy early.
“The wide barrier obviously determined how much I had to do to get to the front, but I couldn’t believe how easily I got to the front and when we got there, he switched off beautifully.”
Maloney felt the gelding’s ability to relax was the key factor late.
“I thought on the fence was as good a place to be as anywhere, it was the shortest way home and he was too good.”
“I thought on the fence was as good a place to be as anywhere, it was the shortest way home and he was too good.” - Ryan Maloney
“He’ll definitely relax well enough to get the 2400 metres of the Derby, he switched off beautifully for me today. He conserved his energy really well.”
Sales info: Kilman was purchased for $360,000 by Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock from the Waikato Stud draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Kilman as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Pedigree info: Kilman has a beautiful pedigree being by Super Seth and out of the dual Listed winner and G1 Australian Oaks placegetter Thy (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). This fantastic Waikato Stud family features Group 1-winners such as The Chosen One (NZ), La Bella Diosa (NZ) (So You Think {NZ}) and The Jewel (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).
Thy, In recent years, has produced a yearling colt by Noverre (NZ) and was served last spring by Noverre again.
Tuileries rises above the challenge in Dark Jewel
A wide gate, top weight and a deep Group 3 field of fillies and mares proved no obstacle for classy mare Tuileries (So You Think {NZ}), who delivered an impressive victory in the G3 Dark Jewel Classic at Scone.
The Peter Snowden-trained mare, ridden patiently by Chad Schofield, settled back in the field as Arriving Home (I Am Invincible) ensured a strong tempo throughout, while race favourite Surfin’ Bird (The Autumn Sun) enjoyed the perfect trailing run under Rachel King.
Turning for home, King drove Surfin’ Bird through along the inside to grab a narrow lead, but out wider in the familiar Pinecliff Racing colours, Tuileries was building momentum quickly.
Once Schofield balanced her up, the mare let down with a powerful turn of foot to put the race away decisively, scoring by three-quarters of a length over the brave Luvnwar (NZ) (War Decree {USA}), with Yes Lulu (Yes Yes Yes) another half-length away in third.
“That was a special win,’’ Schofield said.
“That was a special win.’’ - Chad Schofield
“I had drawn so wide (15) that I wasn't sure where I was going to get to early. But she flew out of the barriers then I ‘reverse parked’ into the first position I could.”
Schofield was particularly pleased with how well the mare relaxed throughout the race.
“Then she just spat that bit out and that is something a little new to her as she was usually a bit aggressive. She has turned the corner and developed into a lovely mare. When she relaxes likes that she has a breathtaking turn of foot.’’
The rider believes the performance stamped her as a mare of genuine quality.
“The feel she gave me there with a big weight is one of a very good mare."
“The feel she (Tuileries) gave me there with a big weight is one of a very good mare." - Chad Schofield
Peter Snowden’s racing manager Aaron Lau compared the mare favourably to last year’s stable star Tashi (Sebring), who progressed through the same Brisbane carnival pathway.
Tashi ran second in the Dane Ripper before winning the Tatts Tiara last season, but suggested Tuileries may possess even stronger credentials heading north.
“I'm delighted for the mare, she's a beautiful mare,’’ Lau said.
Aaron Lau | Image courtesy of Snowden Racing
“It was an excellent ride by Chad from that draw, he has the best hands and never panicked. She could go a bit hard early in her preparation but Chad has worked her out and that was a terrific result.
“The Dane Ripper and Tatt's Tiara is the logical option. We did it last year with Tashi and this mare is probably a bit more classy.’’
Sales info: Tuileries was purchased for $360,000 from the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft by Snowden Racing and William Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA) at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Pedigree info: Tuileries is the second foal out of the Bernardini (USA) mare Hediard, who was a winner over 1400 metres. She is a half-sister to the Listed winners Ready For Victory and Exocet (Smart Missile), and comes from the extended family of the Group 1 winners and stallions Euclase and Rubiton.
Tuileries as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Hediard, in recent times, has left a 2-year-old filly named Neos Cosmos (So You Think {NZ}), a yearling filly by Justify (USA), a weanling filly by King’s Legacy, and was served by Castevechhio last spring but unfortunately missed.
Cigar Flick explodes fresh in Bright Shadow
Resuming in the famous cerise colours of the Ingham's, the Chris Waller-trained Cigar Flick (Churchill {Ire}) produced a sharp finishing burst to claim her maiden stakes victory in the Listed Bright Shadow at Doomben.
The race was run at a genuine tempo from the outset as Zac Purton urged Austmarr (Exosphere) forward early before Give Giggles (NZ) (War Decree {USA}) rolled across to take control.
Turning for home, Give Giggles kicked strongly and briefly looked the winner, while the roughie Zouperb (Zoustar) swept down the outside with momentum. But it was Tommy Berry aboard Cigar Flick who produced the decisive turn of foot, slicing through runners late to score impressively.
Zouperb stuck on gamely for second, while Poster Girl (Alabama Express) made an encouraging return in third.
Trainer Chris Waller said the mare’s fresh record and preferred conditions gave the stable confidence heading into the race.
“She’s definitely better on soft tracks. She also runs well fresh and Tommy knows her well too. It was a great ride, he kept her nice and sharp and she really went when he asked her for an effort.”
“It was a great ride, he kept her nice and sharp and she really went when he asked her for an effort.” - Chris Waller
Waller explained the race was always mapped around conserving the mare for one late sprint.
“The plan was to be conservative with her for the first half of the race and save her up for one last crack at them. Luckily it worked out perfectly today.”
Berry echoed those sentiments post-race, saying the mare was ideally suited under the conditions.
“The plan was to be conservative with her (Cigar Flick) for the first half of the race and save her up for one last crack at them. Luckily it worked out perfectly today.” - Chris Waller
“I know this mare quite well, and I seem to get a win on her every prep. Chris was nice enough to give me an extra kilo today, which was comfortable.”
“I loved her trials, she’s got a good fresh record and she loves this ground. I rode her with a bit of confidence knowing that she’s got a lethal turn of foot, especially on this ground. She was really well prepared by the team today.”
The victory also carried extra meaning for Berry in the famous Ingham Racing silks.
“It’s always a privilege to ride a winner in these famous colours. Growing up my bedroom wall was full of pictures of Octagonal and Lonhro, they were my heroes as a kid.”
“It’s always a privilege to ride a winner in these famous colours. Growing up my bedroom wall was full of pictures of Octagonal and Lonhro, they were my heroes as a kid.” - Tommy Berry
Sales info: Cigar Flick is a home-bred for Ingham Racing.
Pedigree info: Cigar Flick is the first foal out of Palmateer (Fastnet Rock), a three-time winner at 1600 metres. She is very well-bred being a half-sister to the four-time Group 1 winner and winner of just under $10.9 million in Fangirl (Sebring).
Cigar Flick’s grandam is Little Surfer Girl (Encosta De Lago), she herself was a $1.5 million yearling purchase and went on to become a seven-time winner, including twice at Listed level.
Palmateer, in recent times, has left a 2-year-old filly named Palm Tree (Street Boss {USA}), a yearling filly by Justify (USA) and a weanling colt by Zoustar, she was left empty last spring.
Miss Freelove lands the perfect split at Scone
A daring inside ride from Rachel King proved the difference as the Peter Snowden-trained Miss Freelove (Tassort) snatched victory in a thrilling edition of the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes at Scone.
Run at a strong tempo throughout, Agarwood (Wootton Bassett {GB}) rolled to the front under Zac Lloyd, while Mercy Me (Hellbent) worked outside the leader and kept the pressure on throughout.
Agarwood kicked strongly turning for home before Mercy Me fought back gamely to take over at the 250 metre mark. Just as the race looked between those runners, King spotted an opening nearer the inside aboard Miss Freelove and drove the filly through late.
In a desperate finish, Miss Freelove got the decisive bob in right on the line, scoring by 0.04l over the brave Mercy Me, while Shady Road (Written Tycoon) charged late for third, only another 0.05l away.
Trainer Peter Snowden’s representative Aaron Lau admitted there were nervous moments as the run developed in the straight.
Miss Freelove winning the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
“Yes, I was scratching my head there for a bit at the top of the straight,” Lau said.
“We always knew she'd run out a strong 1100m today and she's really probably looking for a bit further now.”
Lau said the addition of winkers helped sharpen the filly early in the race.
“We put the winkers on her today as she was getting a little too far back and as it turned out Rachel executed the race perfectly.”
“We put the winkers on her (Miss Freelove) today as she was getting a little too far back and as it turned out Rachel executed the race perfectly.” - Aaron Lau
King said once the runs closed around her, committing to the inside became her only option.
“I didn't really have much of an option,” King said bluntly post-race.
“I was worried but even though we came back to the inside we were still two to three horses off the fence. She was really tough late.”
Connections of Miss Freelove after winning the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
King also felt the gear change played an important role in the performance.
“I think as she's getting that little bit older, putting the winkers on today helped. She's got an awesome turn of foot which the team let me know.
“The plan was to keep her for that last 300m and she really sprinted well late.”
Sales info: Miss Freelove was purchased for $110,000 by Trilogy Racing and Suman Hedge (FBAA) from the Twin Hills Stud draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale
Miss Freelove as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Pedigree info: Miss Freelove is the third foal out of the unraced mare Vee (Sebring), Vee is half-sister to the Listed winner Terror Force (Al Maher). Miss Freelove’s grandam Angel’s Breath (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) has been a consistent producer leaving six other winners alongside Terror Force.
Vee, in recent times, has left a 2-year-old gelding named Veranders (Anders), and a weanling filly by Generation.
