Heeza Phoenix will make his highly anticipated return to racing this Saturday at Ascot in the Happy 70th Birthday Lou Luciani Handicap, a 1200-meter event that marks the start of a promising campaign. The three-year-old colt aims to build on his previous strong performances in the Fairetha Stakes and WA Guineas, where he led for much of the race before being overtaken by King Of Light.
Trainer Mitch Pateman expressed his optimism regarding Heeza Phoenix’s potential. “He’s pretty good. He’s the toughest horse I’ve had and the best looking horse I’ve had, too,” Pateman commented. He highlighted the colt’s impressive ability to maintain strong sectionals throughout the Fairetha Stakes, noting, “He rolled serious fractions and kept going.”
While the upcoming race presents a challenge for Heeza Phoenix, drawing the outside barrier of 10 complicates matters. The short 1200-meter distance may not play to his strengths, with Pateman suggesting that Heeza Phoenix performs best between 1400 to 1600 meters. Regardless, the colt has garnered attention from punters, with his odds shifting from $2.90 to $2.50 as the outright favorite for the race.
Pateman plans for Heeza Phoenix to compete in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes at Flemington on February 14, 2024, before targeting the prestigious Group 1 $1 million Australian Guineas two weeks later. This race holds significant importance in Australian horse racing, with many legendary horses having achieved success in the Guineas, including Heeza Phoenix’s sire, Grunt, who won the race in 2018.
Lucy Fiore, who has ridden Heeza Phoenix in all his races and public trials, will accompany the colt for his upcoming interstate challenges. In addition to Heeza Phoenix’s race, Pateman has identified other promising competitors. He believes both Written Words at $3.40 and Sowar at $5 have strong chances in their respective events at Ascot.
Fiore is also set to ride Madhi Girl in the Listed $125,000 Scenic Blast Stakes, where she faces off against her rival Jaz Session. After a narrow victory over Jaz Session in the Summer Scorcher, and a close finish in the Miss Andretti, Madhi Girl will have to contend with a weight increase as she moves from 54 kg to 56.5 kg. Regular rider William Pike will not be aboard Madhi Girl, as he takes the reins of Aztec Ruler in the Listed John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield.
As the racing season unfolds, Heeza Phoenix’s performance this weekend will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of his career, with aspirations of making a significant impact on the eastern racing circuit. The excitement surrounding his return reflects not only the colt’s potential but also the ambitions of his connections.
