HEATHCOTE SAYS HIS RUNNERS OVER ODDS
“HAVE a little each-way on Riva De Lago and Jopa”.
That was the tip from Brisbane trainer Robert Heathcote yesterday as he insisted both horses were well over the odds in the 30th Anniversary Cup (1400m) at the Sunshine Coast today.
Riva De Lago won the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at his last start on the Sunshine Coast track in May and has followed that up with three strong performances in stakes or open grade since.
However, the rising eightyear-old was still at the juicy price of $14 with TAB Sports- bet yesterday and Heathcote thought Riva De Lago would be almost half that price.
“I think Riva De Lago gets in quite well after the 1.5kg claim for Bridget (Grylls) and since he won the Glasshouse Handicap first-up at the Sunshine Coast in May we’ve had to go back because of barrier draws,” he said.
“The other day in Brisbane Cum Dividend just outsprinted us that was all and five horses led that day and won and only two horses Lordag and Kaiser Franz came from off the speed and they are two progressive horses. I’m shocked at both my horses’ odds actually and I thought Riva De Lago would be about $8 and one of owners got $30 about Jopa.”
Jopa was in to $18 with UBET late yesterday but Heathcote feels that quote is still over the odds as well.
The seven-year-old jumps up sharply in distance today after resuming off a twomonth break over 1050m a fortnight ago at Doomben but Heathcote feels fitness won’t be a concern.
“He is fit enough and he loves the wet,” Heathcote said.
“He has just 54kg and Glen Colless jumped at the chance to ride him because he loved his run over 1050m the other day.
“But it’s one of those races and if it was at Eagle Farm on a good 3 it would be a different market and it will probably come down to who handles the track the best.
“I’m leaning towards Riva De Lago as my best chance in the race but the main question mark is will he get through the heavy ground where we know Jopa will love it.”
Gold Coast trainer John Morrisey is in two minds about how promising gelding Wack’em will run in the twoyear-old handicap (1200m) at the Sunshine Coast today.
The son of Savabeel could not have been more impressive when finishing a luckless second on debut at Doomben last month over 1200m but Morrisey said he has had a minor setback since.
“He got cast and cut his leg and reared over at the track one day but he is good now,” Morrisey said.
“He has been in work a while but I don’t want to just put him out and learn nothing about him and the wet track shouldn’t affect him.”
Wack’em looks good value at $14.