Robert Heathcote has sounded warning to Solzhenitsyn’s Toorak Handicap rivals declaring the defending titleholder a superior horse to 12 months ago.
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He also doubts the calibre of Saturday’s field is as strong as the one his horse beat last year.
“I think last year’s field was stronger and, in saying that, my bloke is a bit better this year,” Heathcote said.
“He’s a more seasoned horse and racing a lot more consistently.”
Solzhenitsyn will have to cope with a six kilo weight rise on the 52kg he carried last year but his lead-up form has been superb without winning.
He resumed with a second to Riva De Lago in the Group Two Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill on September 14 then went down fighting in a tight finish when third to Rebel Dane in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on September 29.
“He’s competitive in every race he goes in and he’s at the highest level in Group One racing,” Heathcote said.
The Brisbane-based Heathcote wanted to keep Solzhenitsyn in the mix for the Cox Plate but his owners have opted to follow the same path as last year – the Toorak, the Group Two Crystal Mile and the Group One Emirates Stakes.
They are also hoping the horse can qualify for the $1 million Railway Stakes in Perth.
“I would have liked to have kept on with the Cox Plate and make the decision after Saturday but the owners have already made their minds up,” Heathcote said.
Heathcote said the 1600m of the Toorak is the ideal distance for his seven-year-old who has won over the journey four times.
Nash Rawiller, who sticks with Solzhenitsyn on Saturday, said after his third place in the Rupert Clarke that Solzhenitsyn may be even stronger over 2000 metres.
“Maybe next year we can explore that option,” Heathcote said.
Heathcote’s Victorian foreperson Melissa Leitch worked Solzhenitsyn at Flemington on Tuesday and reported the gelding had never felt better.
“We’re as confident as we can be that he will perform well but at Group One level you need a fair bit going your way – certainly a slice of luck and a run at the right time,” Heathcote said.
“He is definitely a winning chance and has the perfect barrier in seven.”
Only four horses have won back-to-back Toorak Handicaps since the race was first run in 1881 – Umrum (1999-2000), Nicopolis (1963-64), Desert Breeze (1952-53) and Saxony (1948-49).