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| Staff Writer |
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Nick Ryan's speedster Johnny Rocker is set to light up Moonee Valley in Saturday's Gr.1 Moir Stakes, with connections hoping the gelding can build on his impressive debut season for the stable.
When the former Brisbane galloper first entered Ryan's yard, the trainer was given a lofty brief. "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'," Ryan revealed.
Despite an initial setback at Flemington in January, where Johnny Rocker finished second in a benchmark 70 race, the gelding quickly proved his mettle. Ryan recalled, "I was absolutely shocked when he got beaten first-up at Flemington, but it was Mornington Glory that beat him. It turns out that day they ran something like the fifth fastest time up the straight in history."
Johnny Rocker swiftly found his rhythm, breaking through at Moonee Valley in a benchmark 78 before an eye-catching second to multiple Group One winning mare Imperatriz in the Manikato Stakes. "We did that, and it nearly paid off," Ryan said of the gelding's rapid ascent to top-level racing.
The Moir Stakes, a 1000-metre dash under the lights at Moonee Valley, has a storied history. Previous winners include sprinting sensations like Black Caviar, who went on to claim the race twice more and remain undefeated in her 25-start career, and Buffering, who used his Moir victory as a springboard to international success in Dubai.
Despite a minor setback in his preparation, Ryan is confident Johnny Rocker is ready for his seasonal debut. "He got a little bug and was over that in about four days," the trainer explained. "He's still got a fair bit to come in the coat, but I was very happy with his trial at Cranbourne against some good horses."
Ryan is realistic about the challenge ahead, noting, "It will be a hot race over 1000 metres at The Valley on Saturday. If you draw low and they run along, who knows, but it is a very strong Moir this year."
Looking beyond Saturday's test, Ryan has his sights set on even loftier targets. The Gr.1 Manikato Stakes on 27 September is next on the agenda, with hopes of a potential berth in The Everest at Randwick.
"I guess they're sitting back waiting and watching the Moir and Manikato," Ryan said of potential slot holders for the US$10 million (converted from A$15 million) sprint. "It's three weeks to the Manikato and then three weeks for The Everest, so we'll see. There's plenty of water to go under the bridge yet."
As part of the final preparations, Johnny Rocker will have a familiarisation gallop at Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning. With the spring carnival heating up, all eyes will be on this rising star as he attempts to rock the racing world in the Moir Stakes showdown.