Nick Ryan’s charge, Johnny Rocker, is set to kick off his spring campaign this Saturday in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley.
The five-year-old gelding made his debut for Ryan back in January, competing in a Benchmark 70 (1000m) race at Flemington.
Although the trainer was confident of a victory, Johnny Rocker had to settle for second place.
“I was absolutely shocked when he got beaten first-up at Flemington in a Benchmark 70, but it was Mornington Glory that beat him,” Ryan admitted.
“It turns out that day they ran something like the fifth fastest time up the straight in history.
“I stood there that day and thought, ‘What have I done here?’ but looking back now, it’s no surprise.”
Since that initial effort, Johnny Rocker has secured a win in a Benchmark 78 (1200m) at The Valley and placed second in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) from five starts.
“The owners had a very high opinion of him and when they sent him to me, they said ‘aim for the stars and work your way down.’ We did that, and it nearly paid off.”
While Johnny Rocker still has “a fair bit to come in the coat, Ryan was pleased with his trial at Cranbourne against some strong competition and is confident in his readiness for the Moir.
“I’m happy with the way he’s come through it. He’s certainly ready to run in the Moir,” Ryan concluded.
Johnny Rocker is currently a +1400 winning chance with horse racing bookmakers for Saturday’s Moir Stakes.
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