Trainer Rob Heathcote may not get his wish for a wet track but he’s still confident Mondean can stake Weetwood Handicap claims in the AAMI Quality at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Heathcote admits he’s still on a learning curve with Mondean who has started only three times for the stable since being transferred from disqualified trainer Darryl Hansen.

“He’s going well and I’m still learning about him,” Heathcote said.

“I’m not crazy about running horses in short sprints but he had to have his first start for me in the Bat Out Of Hell.

“He’s a lot better horse over 1200 metres and if he goes well enough I’ll get him ready for the Weetwood.

“He used to be trained at Caloundra on the cushion track and he’s won on that type of surface so the Weetwood would be a nice race for him.”

The Listed Weetwood Handicap (1200m) will be run on the Toowoomba cushion track on March 29.

Mondean wasn’t disgraced when sixth at his first start for Heathcote in the Bat Out Of Hell (900m) at the Gold Coast before a moderate seventh in a 1200-metre Class 6 at Eagle Farm in January.

Heathcote made a crucial gear change on Mondean by removing winkers from the five-year-old in his easy victory on a heavy track over 1200 metres at Doomben on January 28.

“He won the Mackay Newmarket last year but this will be his first open company start on a metropolitan track tomorrow,” Heathcote said.

“I’d love to see some rain but I’ve had a look at the weather bureau radar and it looks like it’s going to be fine.”

Mondean has an excellent record on rain-affected tracks with two wins and as many placings from five starts on slow tracks.

He’s started three times for one win and two placings in the heavy.

Topweight Essington, who was also formerly trained by Hansen, will be out to stake his autumn and winter carnival claims when he debuts for Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds.

“He races best fresh and and the big Eagle Farm track suits him,” Edmonds said.

“He’s coming along well since he’s been with me and I’m giving him a big chance.

“There’s enough pressure in the race for him to get the right run so he should be strong on the line.”

Edmonds nominated Essington for the Group Two Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday before deciding to stay at home.

The son of Redoute’s Choice finished an unlucky eighth to My Destiny after being held up for a run at his last appearance in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes at Doomben in December.