Mossman to carry flag for Heathcote

Friday 6 May 2016, 4:47pm

Robert Heathcote has put Mossman on the map with the deeds of Buffering and hopes the next generation of the stallion's progeny can carry the stable's fortunes this winter.

Seven-time Group One winner Buffering will have a break after he returns from his failed Hong Kong mission but his trainer has some handy horses by his sire coming through.

They include Hopfgarten in the Prime Minister's Cup and Privlaka in the Gold Coast Guineas on Saturday.

"I have had a lot of luck with the Mossmans," Heathcote said.

"They are a hardy breed and they handle all tracks. I always look for them at the yearling sales."

He said Hopfgarten was coming along nicely after his first-up win in the Ascot Handicap at the Sunshine Coast two weeks ago.

"He got home very strongly and we were originally looking at keeping him to the 1600 metre stakes races in the winter," Heathcote said.

"But I haven't totally ruled out the Stradbroke Handicap for him. The Stradbroke is often won by horses who are genuine milers who get down in the weights."

Heathcote was pleased with Privlaka's eye-catching run when fourth in the Mick Dittman Plate over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast.

"He gave them eight lengths and made up plenty of ground," he said.

Heathcote said his only worry was the stable's bad run at the Gold Coast in recent years.

"For some reason the Gold Coast is my hoodoo track," he said.

"About 90 per cent of my horses don't get around it. Both Hopfgarten and Privlaka have failed at the Coast after running big races at their previous starts.

"Let's hope it doesn't happen again."

– AAP

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