Formline right for Griffon in Healy Stakes

Thursday 20 June 2013, 3:44pm

The Eye Liner Stakes result has given trainer Robert Heathcote added confidence about the chances of Griffon in Saturday's Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm.

At his last start in the QTC Cup, Griffon was a fast-finishing third to Galah and Conservatorium, the latter confirming the strength of that form by winning last Saturday's Eye Liner Stakes at Ipswich.

"It's fair to say he was a touch unlucky in the QTC Cup and the form out of the race is excellent," Heathcote said.

"One or two more strides and he would've won last time."

Heathcote has kept Griffon fresh for the Healy and says the gelding races best that way.

"He's been plagued with leg issues and I've found by racing him sparingly he can maintain consistent form," he said.

Although Griffon has drawn barrier 12 in the 13-horse field, Heathcote doesn't believe it will have a major bearing on his prospects.

"As we saw in the QTC Cup when he's ridden back in the field he can produce an enormous finish," he said.

"There looks to be good speed in the race which will suit him."

Heathcote will also be represented in the Healy by Funtantes who is in the twilight of her racing career.

"Funtantes needs to be on top of the ground so the weather is the key with her," he said.

"Her racing career is drawing to a close being a rising seven-year-old mare but I'm sure she'll be highly competitive if she strikes her preferred going."

A Ramornie Handicap start is on the agenda for stablemate Gundy Son (Ryan Wiggins) if he performs well in the Healy.

"As painful as it is to scratch from feature races I felt it was in his best interests not to run him in the wet last week at Ipswich," Heathcote said.

"He's similar to Funtantes in that he doesn't want any rain."

– AAP

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