Breeding on hold with star mare
PURCHASED as a broodmare prospect, Goodtime Heaven’s entrance into the breeding remains at least another year away.
Speaking after the five-year-old outclassed some of the nation’s best mares at Tabcorp Park Melton just moments ago, trainer Courtney Slater explained Goodtime Heaven will continue racing next season.
Goodtime Heaven was selected at the Sydney Australian Pacing Gold Yearling Sale by Slater’s father, Ian, as an addition to his breeding stock.
Ian operates Goodtime Lodge with his wife, Judi, while Courtney manages the racing side of the equation.
“Dad went to Sydney with one filly in mind and was determined to get her,” Slater said. “Goodtime Heaven is that filly.
“Dad saw the long term potential in her as a broodmare, which is growing each time she wins.
“We have toyed with the idea of flushing an embryo from her this season, but for now she will just concentrate on racing instead.
“She is only young and lightly-raced so will keep going for at least another year.”
Although racing is to be her focus, Goodtime Heaven’s natural breeding cycle came to the fore this evening, leaving Slater concerned the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven would compete below her best.
“She came into season tonight of all times,” Slater said. “It’s the first time she has come into season on a race night so I didn’t know what to expect from her.”
To Slater’s relief, there was no need to stress as Goodtime Heaven overcame her second row draw to account for No Win No Feed and Rock N Roll Chapel.
Driven by Michael Stanley, Goodtime Heaven rated 1:54.3 over 2240 metres to take her record to 15 wins and five placings from 26 starts for earnings of $278,987.
“It was a perfectly patient drive from Michael,” Slater said. “All her work leading up to tonight was brilliant, but after she came into heat I was worried.
“Thankfully it didn’t have an effect on her and she ran up to her track work.
“We’ll be back here in a fortnight for The Make Mine Cullen and then the Queen Of The Pacific two weeks after that.”