Rob Heathcote will launch his latest quest to train his first Group One winner when Woorim makes his comeback in the Channel Seven Brisbane Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.Heathcote has been training for 11 years and has dominated Brisbane's training ranks over the past three years but is still waiting to train a winner at the elite level.Woorim went close to fulfilling Heathcote's dream when the six-year-old flashed home for third to Response in the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at
Rob Heathcote will launch his latest quest to train his first Group One winner when Woorim makes his comeback in the Channel Seven Brisbane Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.
Heathcote has been training for 11 years and has dominated Brisbane's training ranks over the past three years but is still waiting to train a winner at the elite level.
Woorim went close to fulfilling Heathcote's dream when the six-year-old flashed home for third to Response in the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last September.
The Rupert Clarke next month will be Woorim's main target in the spring but if he can't deliver, Heathcote has also pencilled in a second Group One attempt in the Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in November.
Woorim hasn't raced since scoring successive wins in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at Caloundra on July 6.
The son of Show A Heart previously finished seventh to Sincero in the Group One Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June after claiming the Group Three BRC Sprint at Doomben in May.
"He had three weeks out at Washpool Lodge after the Glasshouse and has been back in work now for around five weeks," Heathcote said.
"I'm delighted with his work but I'm not crazy about the 61 kilos he's been given, although he's earned it."
Woorim has drawn the perfect barrier in gate one but Heathcote has some concerns with the alley.
"Barrier one is probably not ideal for him but I'll leave that to his jockey (Damian Browne)," Heathcote said.
"He's a horse who likes to get to the outside and he could get cluttered up in there. It's up to Damian to get him into the clear."
Heathcote also has spring hopes in Melbourne with Funtantes who is on the comeback trail against Woorim.
Funtantes won the Listed Juanmo Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm in April before failing in the Listed Silk Stocking at the Gold Coast and Group Three Glenlogan Park Stakes at Doomben in May.
Funtantes carried 57kg or more in her past three starts but drops to the minimum 53 kilos against Woorim and company.
"She's in the race very well and looks to be thrown in at the weights for a Group Two and Listed winner," Heathcote said.
"She's had ongoing issues with her feet but she might go to Melbourne for some of the better fillies and mares races after she has a few more starts here."
Stablemate Availability is a chance of heading to Sydney if the three-year-old maintains his unblemished record in the Iceworks Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Handicap (1200m).
The son of Exceed And Excel was impressive winning on debut at Doomben last month before scoring an all-the-way win at Eagle Farm on August 13.
"This is still his first preparation but if he wins he'll go down for the Heritage Stakes in Sydney," Heathcote said.