Rothfire will need to break almost 100 years of history if he’s to be successful in the Group 1 $1 million Doomben 10,000 (1200m) in Queensland on Saturday.

The 42-start veteran is the lone eight-year-old in the field and no horse so long in the tooth has ever won the Doomben 10,000 since it was first run in 1933.

Gold Force (1944), Takeover Target (2007) and Eduardo (2021) are the eldest victors of the race when aged seven, meaning Rothfire will need to eclipse some of racing’s greats to take the mantle.

But if there’s one attribute for which the son of Rothesay is known, it’s his heart. Through an injury-plagued career, Rothfire has accumulated almost $5 million through performances consistently at the top level.

Only four starts ago, the Robert Heathcote-trained gelding won the $2 million Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m).

Overcome by emotion that day, Heathcote spoke post-race about the galloper’s defiance to submit to veterinary critique and still perform at a high level.

That faith inspired him to return Rothfire for a tilt at this winter carnival, beginning with The Archer (1300m) slot race at Rockhampton 11 days ago.

Although finishing down the track, Heathcote found excuse in the effort and says he has him in the right health for this weekend’s race.

“He was taken out of the race in The Archer at the 250m mark and dropped out to beat one home,” Heathcote said.

“He’s still a very popular horse who has had his share of problems in his career, but he’s tough and will go into the race as sound as a bell.

“But, as I’ve always said, once he shows he doesn’t want to be competitive - I’ll retire him straight away.”

Heathcote said he was looking for a wet track for Rothfire, with the Doomben circuit currently rated a Heavy8.

Despite not winning on heavy ground from three attempts, he has placed on two occasions and possesses a highly creditable soft-ground record (7:2,2,0).

Brad Rawiller will take the mount from barrier 15 aboard the $34 longshot, with Jimmysstar ($3.20f), Napoleonic ($5.50) and Grafterburners ($6) heading the betting.