The Victoria Handicap serves as a key step for John McArdle, who anticipates a series of wet-track chances ahead for El Rocko, and he expects a stronger showing from the free-rolling gelding this Saturday.
The seven-year-old son of Fastnet Rock is lined up for his second outing this preparation in the 1400-metre Group 3 event at Caulfield.
This miler, who thrives on rain-affected surfaces, came last first-up at Caulfield on March 21 over 1200m on a Good track, though McArdle noted that circumstances didn’t fully favour him in the race.
“He needed the run and blew out on the dry track, but he looked as though he was going to hold his gallop and then he got bumped pretty hard,” McArdle said.
“For a horse as big as he is he’s a bit of a coward and when he got the bump he put the cue in the rack.
“He’ll head towards the Victoria Handicap and then probably back up the week later in the Vase.”
The $175,000 Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) is scheduled for Caulfield on April 11.
El Rocko claimed victory in the Sale Cup and placed third in the Seymour Cup over 1600m during last campaign, which featured 17 starts from February 1 right through to the Kilmore Cup on November 23.
The gelding’s initial appearances this time around are designed to establish a solid fitness foundation, positioning El Rocko to seize wet-track prospects as they arise over winter.
McArdle mentioned that the Group 3 Cummings Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville on May 9, or certain races in New South Wales following The Championships, could be on the cards for El Rocko after his upcoming Caulfield engagements.
“If it rains somewhere, he’ll go there,” McArdle said.
“We give him a few runs to get him fit then just take him where there’s rain.”
El Rocko features in the 29 entries for the Victoria Handicap, where Group 1 winners Here To Shock and Desert Lightning stand out among the possible opponents.
The Victoria Handicap joins the Easter Cup (2000m) as one of two Group 3 contests at Caulfield this Saturday, with the latter attracting 28 entries including Bankers Choice, Immediacy, Plymouth, Benagil and Chris Waller’s Kiwi import Doctor Askar.
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