Trainer David Pfieffer’s longstanding ambition to see sprinter Rocketing By race down the straight at Flemington will finally materialise this Saturday in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m).
With 37 starts under his belt, the seven-year-old is set for only his second appearance in Melbourne, following a sixth-place finish in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Sandown last February.
“I have always wanted to test him over six furlongs down the straight and it’s a softish track, small field and we’ve got a decent rider on board,” Pfieffer expressed.
“It will probably be a tight bunch and a sit and sprint.
“He is a horse who is usually better suited in high-speed races, but that’s encountering a turn.
“He has been there (Melbourne) before but hasn’t been down the straight, but it would be nice to set him up for future events.”
Rocketing By has had a demanding schedule, kicking off his campaign in March at Rosehill before journeys to Wagga, Scone, and then Brisbane, where he competed at Eagle Farm and Ipswich.
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