Riff Rocket thriving ahead of the Caulfield Classic
James Mcdonald took Riff Rocket for a spin around Caulfield and in a scary thought for his potential rivals on Saturday said the gelding had trained on since his recent stylish victory.
Riff Rocket runs in the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) as a lead up to the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 4 for which he is the $3 favourite with bookmakers.
A last start winner by a widening 5-½ lengths at Flemington over 1800m on October 7, Riff Rocket heads the list of 13 nominations for the Caulfield Classic on Saturday.
"He hasn't taken a backward step judging off his work this morning," McDonald said on Tuesday.
"He had a nice workout, nothing too stressful. He stretched and extended lovely.
"He had a good look around and did get a little bit lost out there by himself, but his last two furlongs were spot on.
"He's on track."
Noting that Riff Rocket's last start victory was not against the strongest of opposition, McDonald was still impressed by the way the gelding strode clear of his rivals.
McDonald said Riff Rocket should have no problems running out the 2500m of the Derby.
"He covers the ground so well," McDonald said.
"He has an economical action and has a good turn of foot which over that trip is a huge asset.
"He relaxes so well and if we can keep those fundamentals going towards a Victoria Derby, he will be there when the whips are cracking, that's for sure.
"The races will get stronger from here on in and he'll have to make another step, but he doesn't have to improve much after winning last time."
Riff Rocket has raced only five times, registering three wins and a second.
He scored on debut at Geelong in April and resumed his current campaign with a win at Kembla Grange of 1500m in September.
Trainer Chris Waller moved the three-year-old to his new Mount Macedon stable ahead of the gelding's win at Flemington at his most recent outing.
More Racing News
All-Star Mile next for Sabaj following blood test setback
Sabaj, under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, faces a puzzling field in the All-Star Mile with Pride Of Jenni taking part.Saturday's All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington is now the primary target for Sabaj, who skipped last week's Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington due to unsatisfactory blood...
Baraqiel to trial blinkers for Newmarket Handicap push
Baraqiel faces an uphill battle with the weights in pursuit of success in one of the nation's premier short-distance contests, the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.Post-1973 metric weight implementation, merely three runners have prevailed in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) carrying more than 57.5kg, with the race set for Saturday.In...
Green Spaces earns Rachel King's trust for Randwick Guineas tilt
Returning from a triumphant riding spell in Japan, Rachel King has her eyes set on the Sydney autumn series, with a key engagement aboard the inexperienced three-year-old gelding Green Spaces in the Randwick Guineas.The esteem in which King views the Bjorn Baker stable's charge prompted her to jet in from...
Fortunes due to improve for backmarker Bauhinia
Bauhinia, known for settling towards the rear naturally, has often lacked the rub of the green in her races.Co-trainer Lee Curtis expects the mare to see her luck change for the better over autumn, kicking off in Saturday's Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) at Randwick."Her work has been as good as...
Gibbons lands timely Linebacker mount after Rosehill breakthrough
An ordinary benchmark contest at Rosehill back in July evolved into a career highlight for Dylan Gibbons, setting him up to steer star performer Linebacker in the Group One Canterbury Stakes.The promising jockey, mere months removed from shoulder surgery, had steered Good Banter to victory in that midwinter feature.Post-race, he...
Augustus and Desert Hero debut in Flemington feature
While the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington doesn't carry the weight of the day's opening races, it has the potential to highlight future stars for major events ahead.Ciaron Maher will launch two newcomers from overseas in the Saturday 2000m race – Augustus and Desert Hero.Desert Hero already has Australian experience,...
Robbie Griffiths plans VRC Sires' Produce Stakes tilt with Almost An Angel
For the youngsters, the VRC Sires' Produce Stakes provides the debut opportunity to tackle a genuine journey.Now that the Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria's top juvenile prize, has been run and captured last month, attention shifts for the fast two-year-olds to the Golden Slipper up in Sydney.Robbie Griffiths, however, set his...
Ipswich Friday features prepared Sir Maurice
With an advantageous claim on weight and a competitor set for a win, Jack Bruce is eager for Sir Maurice to perform at Ipswich this coming Friday.Marking his fifth run this campaign, the five-year-old offspring of champion Japanese sire Maurice enters the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) for an...
Blinkers and McDonald for Hidrix in key Todman Stakes before Golden Slipper
Hidrix, once the top pick for the Golden Slipper, faces two major tweaks for his engagement in the Todman Stakes at Randwick: blinkers fitted and James McDonald in the saddle.Although McDonald guided stable companion Confederation during the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) Hidrix won and the Silver Slipper (1100m), he'll switch to...
Filly Caffe Florian emerges as next talent for Richard Litt
Though Richard Litt runs a modest team in numbers, he has proven adept at pinpointing quality performers.Responsible for training dual Group 1 champion Castelvecchio and Profondo's 2021 Spring Champion Stakes success, the Warwick Farm conditioner now seems to hold a fresh prospect in developing filly Caffe Florian.The three-year-old by Snitzel...