Searchin’ Roc’s will step up to her favoured distance in Saturday’s Group 3 Belmont Sprint (1400m), and trainer Sharon Taylor believes it could be the key to unlocking her best form this prep.
The mare’s campaign began with a ninth-place finish in The Joey (1200m), a trip Taylor always felt would be too sharp.
“She’s just not a 1200-metre horse,” Taylor said. “But I was rapt with her run — she hit the line hard and came through it perfectly.”
Searchin’ Roc’s has drawn barrier one and will be ridden by Jessica Valas, who will look to navigate a path off the rail in a field of 16 runners.
“We just need a touch of luck in running,” Taylor added. “Jess will need to find some clear air at the right time.”
Listed at $61 with Australia’s best betting sites, Searchin’ Roc’s faces a deep field headed by $2.80 favourite West Star, Western Empire ($4.80), The Boss Lady ($8), and Magnificent Andy ($9).
Taylor says the six-year-old has improved since her first-up effort and is poised for a peak performance.
“I’m really happy with where she’s at,” she said. “She’s in great shape and ready to go — I can’t fault her.”
Rain in the lead-up to the Belmont Sprint would only help Searchin’ Roc’s, who thrives with give in the ground. She’s a five-time winner on soft or heavy tracks, including the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes last August.
Since transferring from Jim Taylor’s yard, the mare has added the Group 3 Peters Stakes and Listed Farnley Stakes to her résumé under Sharon Taylor’s care.