Picture: Steve Hart
Twin Derby winner a characteristic spring entry forward of second trial
Chris Waller remains to be not 100% certain what Riff Rocket’s total Spring marketing campaign will appear to be, however the twin Derby winner shall be given his likelihood to show he might be an elite-level open-age stayer.
The four-year-old American Pharoah gelding shall be among the many entries for the Cox Plate (2040m) and Caulfield Cup (2400m), each $5 million Group 1 occasions, after they shut on Tuesday.
Riff Rocket turned simply the fourth horse to win the ATC Derby (2400m) in autumn after a spring win within the Victoria Derby (2500m) and Waller thinks he is usually a Caulfield Cup pressure however will make a ultimate name within the first weekend in October.
“Your fork-in-the-road is Epsom weekend (October 5), whether or not or not it’s the Turnbull (Stakes), whether or not or not it’s a weight-for-age 2000-metre race right here (Sydney),” Waller mentioned.
“Then they’re match sufficient to go to 2400, which I believe he can be. I’d say logistically he’d be going in the direction of a Caulfield Cup.
“There’s so many choices within the spring however he has received a 2500-metre and a 2400-metre Derby.”
Riff Rocket is a $15 second favorite behind Fawkner Park ($11) in Caulfield Cup betting and is a $26 likelihood in Cox Plate markets, that are headed by Delight Of Jenni ($4).
Tuesday morning’s Rosehill trials will mark the continuation of Riff Rocket’s Spring preparations, set to have his second trial of the marketing campaign over 1000m.
He’s all the way down to contest the primary trial, wherein stablemate and main Cox Plate contender Through Sistina can also be engaged, alongside Tropical Squall and Pericles.
One other Waller star, Fangirl, headlines the second 1000m trial with James Cummings-trained Group 1 winners Zardozi and Tom Kitten amongst her rivals.
Whereas the image for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate will begin to take form on Tuesday, it’s one other month earlier than the Melbourne Cup nomination deadline with entries for that occasion closing on September 3.
*Current prospects solely. 2nd Racing guess. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
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