Champion Brisbane trainer Rob Heathcote has a winning connection with Greta West Stud stallions and he’s all set to strike again with promising Keep The Faith galloper San Clemente.

San Clemente (3g Keep The Faith – Saunterina by O’Reilly) is gearing up for a much anticipated debut after winning three barrier trials at Doomben.  The hit-out on August 6 was an eye-catcher – he scored by more than four lengths and runner-up Heza Bobby Dazzler then came out and won on debut at the Sunshine Coast.

San Clemente clocked 50.19s for 820 metres which was the fastest of the morning apart from the winning trial by Group 1 star Sizzling.  Heathcote has nominated him for maiden sprints over 1000m and 1200m at Eagle Farm next Wednesday, August 28.

God’s Own gelding San Jose raced through the grades for Heathcote last season.  He is currently spelling after doubling up at the Gold Coast and Eagle Farm in May

God’s Own (Redoute’s Choice) and Keep The Faith (Sunday Silence) are both based at Greta West Stud in north-east Victoria.

San Jose is owned by Wilf Mula who raced G1 AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor with God’s Own’s trainer Bart Cummings.

Cummings and his grandson James began training together this month and the first winner the master part-owned for the partnership was Brook Road (God’s Own) at Kembla Grange on August 17.

God’s Own stands for a $5,500 (inc gst) fee and Keep The Faith (Sunday Silence) is priced at $4,400 (inc gst).  Greta West studmaster Laurie McCarthy can be contacted for further information on 0410 476 196.

– Karl Patterson