Rothfire will return to familiar territory when he lines up in Saturday’s $750,000 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The eight-year-old has a strong record at the meeting, having won the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) in 2021 and finishing between Imperatriz and Giga Kick a year later.
Trainer Rob Heathcote says the gelding is thriving after a dominant Doomben trial win last week.
“I gave him a trial last week at Doomben and he was fantastic,” Heathcote said.
“He travelled gun-barrel straight … he feels like a three-year-old.”
Rothfire was among 21 entries, including defending champion Mornington Glory, Group 1 winners Skybird and Queman, and emerging stars Alabama Lass, Niance and Esha.
Luke Nolen takes the ride after Ben Melham’s suspension, marking his first Group 1 since the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes last November.
Heathcote noted: “He is on the comeback trail … however, 40 Group 1s do look good on your resume.”