Funtantes In Line For New Zealand Trip

Thursday, 09 December 2010 03:45

A trip to New Zealand for the Group One Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day could be the reward for Funtantes if she's successful in the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Eagle Farm.

The mare's trainer Rob Heathcote is yet a Group One race after 11 years trying but believes Funtantes is capable of measuring up against the Kiwi sprinters.

"I was two strides away from winning my first Group One with Woorim when he ran third in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes in Melbourne recently," Heathcote said.

"The Railway Stakes is not big prizemoney-wise but it's a Group One which is enticing.

"If she wins or runs well we'll give the Railway serious consideration and this will probably be her last run before she goes over.

"I'm not sure where she'll run next if she doesn't go to New Zealand."

Funtantes was a good thing beaten last start after being held up when runner-up to the Liam Birchley-trained Falco Star in the Keith Noud Quality (1200m) at Doomben last month.

Jim Byrne rode Funtantes in the Keith Noud and has been retained for Saturday's 1200m feature which has been added to the Eagle Farm program after it was one of six races abandoned last week.

"Jim was a victim of circumstances on her last start," Heathcote said.

"He tried going wide to find a run but had he stayed where he was then Funtantes wins for sure."

Heathcote was thankful the barrier draw was again kind to Funtantes after she drew barrier two.

"She's hardly had a decent barrier in her life yet she drew barrier four for the George Moore last week and now she's got barrier two," he said.

Heathcote could have dual representation in the George Moore Stakes if there's a scratching to allow first emergency Gundy Son to sneak into the field.

Unlike Funtantes, Gundy Son, who was scratched from Doomben on Wednesday, has drawn the near outside in barrier 16.

"If Gundy Son can get a start he's not without some hope," Heathcote said.

"I'd prefer him on a dry track but he's been placed on a heavy.

"He won't disgrace himself if he gets a start, that's for sure."

Gundy Son is a five-time winner from 20 starts but hasn't raced since finishing fifth to Tightrope in a 1200m class six at Eagle Farm in June.

The son of Falvelon has had two barrier trials to prepare him for his comeback and trounced the promising Bianca Jewel by five lengths in his latest trial over 860 metres at Doomben on November 23.