By Nick Berney
Ruperts Red Rocket is set to break through for his maiden win at Corowa on Monday after a luckless last start, and he lines up in the Winemakers Of Rutherglen Maiden Plate (1300m).
The five-year-old was brave on debut in a high-rating race when running second at Manangatang, and all key indicators suggested he would improve significantly from that effort.
Corowa hosts a seven-race card on Monday.Credit: Getty
However, the gelding had multiple excuses 16 days ago at Albury, and he was heavily backed late in the trade.
His run had hidden merit after he lost his spot throughout transit, was then blocked for a run at a critical stage and forced back into the inferior ground.
To his credit, he picked himself up and closed off well, running solid closing sectionals relative to the day.
He can bounce back in this event with a strong platform, and he is ready to peak third-up over more ground.
Voliero has had a stable change from last preparation and is now in the hands of trainer Micheal Travers and looms as a key danger.
He brings solid Victorian form lines that align well for this assignment and is a crucial market watch with the gelding resuming.
Sir Runhlo was coming off a 412-day break when first up at Swan Hill, and he is inclined to improve in The Victoria Hotel – Rutherglen Class 1 Handicap (1400m) on Monday.
His last start effort was superior to what the form guide reads, and he will have only benefited from that outing.
Moreover, he got too far back from a wide draw but ran on well, recorded one of the fastest final 200m sectionals of the day.
He receives a significant barrier change, allowing him to settle closer, and with natural improvement, he can be in the finish with the extra ground suiting.
Persian Dancer is a key rival, and although having every chance at Albury last start, she is on nine-day backup and ready to peak third-up.
The four-year-old brings a consistency edge over her opposition for this class, and she drops sharply in grade.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
