Trainer John McArdle’s decision to bypass Flemington’s Anzac Day meeting paid off as El Rocko secured a dominant win at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Originally targeting the William Newton VC Handicap (1400m) at Flemington, McArdle switched to the Ladbrokes Form Genius Handicap (1519m) after a smaller field and a wet track presented an ideal opportunity. “When this race came up with only nine runners, we switched and then when it rained yesterday, we were happy,” McArdle said.
El Rocko ($4.20), ridden by Jett Stanley, scored a 2-¾ length win over the $4 favourite Chorlton Lane, with Suparazi ($4.60) in third. McArdle praised Stanley for his perfect ride. “Credit to young Jett,” McArdle said, noting the horse’s preference for a target to chase.
McArdle, who described El Rocko as a “big lad” at 630 kilos, indicated the horse’s future depends on the handicapper’s assessment. A trip to Adelaide for the Group 3 The Cummings Stakes (1600m) on May 10 or the Winter Championships Series in Melbourne are options, with McArdle eager to “chase the rain” for his wet-ground specialist.