Browne makes return to Saturday riding
Multiple Group One-winning jockey Damian Browne makes a low key return to metropolitan Saturday racing at Doomben and trainer Robert Heathcote believes it could be a winning one.
Browne has claimed winners at the past two Sunshine Coast meetings but has not ridden in the metropolitan area for a month apart from a cameo appearance on Wednesday when he took two rides and partnered star sprinter Buffering in a trial at Doomben.
He had all of August off to take his family on a cruise and has not ridden at a Saturday metropolitan meeting since July 30.
Browne has taken just two rides, both for Heathcote, on Silento (Real Milk Handicap) and Brotherly Secret (Class 6 Plate), at Doomben.
Browne said he had deliberately kept his comeback low-key and restricted mainly to his home track at Caloundra.
“I just want to get the body right after a month on the sidelines. There is no use rushing things. You do more harm than good,” Browne said.
Heathcote believes both Silento and Brotherly Secret have strong chances on Saturday.
“Silento’s run was a lot better than it looks when he was fourth last start at the Sunshine Coast. They walked in front and he is a horse that needs a fast early pace,” Heathcote said.
“There is no secret I think Silento is pretty smart and Damian’s riding style should suit him.”
Heathcote said he gave Brotherly Love a great each-way chance when the gelding was second at big odds behind Land Office at Doomben two weeks ago.
“Naturally they chopped half a second off the class record but my bloke was good,” he said.
Heathcote has elected to claim three kilograms with Sarah Eilbeck on sprinter Saluter in the Buy A Bale Open (1050m).
“Saluter has been scratched a few times because of wet tracks and looks a lot better placed at the weights with a claim,” Heathcote said.
Browne is the regular rider of Buffering and has ridden him to all seven of his Group One wins including the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai earlier this year.