Talented Queensland three-year-old Kickup Rocky is set for an interstate campaign, with trainer Desleigh Forster targeting the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle this Saturday.
The gelding is the current favourite for the 1600-metre race for three-year-olds, carrying an official handicap rating significantly higher than his closest rival, from a field of 11 nominees.
Forster, who previously trained Apache Chase to victory in the 2022 Kingsford Smith Cup, believes the Newcastle race is a perfect stepping stone after securing two open-grade wins at Eagle Farm and Doomben this season.
“Everything’s good, I’m happy with where he’s at,” Forster remarked.
“There was probably no superstars in the race at Doomben but it was a good effort with the big weight. He’s always shown very good ability, things just went a bit pear shaped in the JJ Atkins but he’s matured and developed into a really nice horse.”
Kickup Rocky’s participation in the Group 1 JJ Atkins race highlights the high esteem in which Forster holds him. She was also comfortable debuting the $130,000 Magic Millions yearling acquisition in Listed company as a two-year-old.
While the Magic Millions 2YO Classic was deemed unsuitable timing-wise, Forster is committed to returning to the Gold Coast with Kickup Rocky following his Newcastle outing.
“The Spring Stakes just fits in perfectly, his main goal is the Magic Millions in January so he can have a trip away, he’ll go back to Embrook to his normal spelling farm on Sunday and have a few weeks there,” Forster stated.
“Then we’ll get him ready for the Magic Millions, 1400 metres in the Guineas. He’s matured a lot better now, and I reckon in the Winter Carnival we’ll probably see a fully matured sort of horse.”
Daniel Moor, the usual rider for Kickup Rocky, will again be aboard the gelding. He leads the all-in betting at $2.20, ahead of the undefeated Prince Of Verona, prepared by Annabel and Rob Archibald, who is at $4.
Consider placing a bet on the Spring Stakes using Australian betting sites for competitive offers.
