Rock N Roll Doo, inner, staves off the late challenge of Old Town Road at Addington today. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.
Aussie visitor Rock N Roll Doo lays down the gauntlet with sizzling cup trial at Addington
By Barry Lichter • 2 November 2022
Australian visitor Rock N Roll Doo served notice that not even a second row draw might stop him in Tuesday’s IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup with a staggering trial win at Addington this evening.
Rock N Roll Doo, who was slow away when beaten at Ashburton nine days ago, stepped safely from the 2600 metre stand start to lead the three-horse heat.
When Krug muffed the start it became a lead-trail affair with Old Town Road sitting behind the Aussie.
But Victorian trainer-driver Michael Stanley wasn’t there to muck around and he had his foot on the pedal throughout, running his last 800 metres in 54 and 400 in 27.1.
Mick Stanley brings back Rock N Roll Doo after his sterling trial. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.Clocked over his last mile in a sizzling 1:53.5, he ran 3:11.8 for the 2600 metre trip to hold out Old Town Road and Zachary Butcher by half a head.
Veteran clockers could not remember the last time a horse went so fast in the traditional cup trial, the overall time only 2.9 seconds outside Classie Brigade’s New Zealand race record for entires and geldings.
Krug, driven by junior Carter Dalgety, finished four and three-quarter lengths astern of the leading pair.
Rock N Roll Doo, who beat Copy That into fourth in last month’s Victoria Cup after sitting parked, opened at $6 after he drew 13 earlier today.
With all three emergencies on the second row, it means if there are no scratchings he will start from two on the second row, following out fellow Australian Majestic Cruiser.
* Muscle Mountain won the 2600m trotters’ heat, coming from a 40 metre handicap to win by two and a quarter lengths from Charlie P and Royal Del.
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Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Sammy Lincoln
5.48pm
“Sammy Lincoln has a bit more speed than Lincoln Wave - he’s very fast for a big, rangy horse - but he might be vulnerable on Friday - he could experience difficulty on the corners going right-handed. He won’t be a maiden for long.”
Race 2: Lincoln Wave
5.48pm
“I’d say he’d be the more reliable of our two. He was clearly our best two-year-old before he got injured and we’ve waited a long time for him. He’s a powerful colt and should have a bright future.”
Race 5: Johnny Lincoln
7.13pm
“The seven draw is a bit awkward but he’s trained on really well since Cambridge and I’m picking he’ll go really well.”
Race 8: Tyson
8.38pm
“He had a week off after his last run at Auckland, but I don’t think he’ll be short of a run. He’ll come back into the fray as tough as ever.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.38pm
“She was incredibly unlucky at Cambridge. The gap opened up for Harrison, he tried to push through, then it closed on him. If she led, she’d be the one to beat. She’s a nice mare and she’s pretty tough, she doesn’t give it up.”
Ray’s comments
Monday at Taupo
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
11.55am
“She’s been held up from awkward draws lately but gets the inside on Monday. She has limited ability but is racing really well and there are no superstars in the field. I think she’ll be fine on the grass as she’s good-gaited and wears no boots. She tries very hard and looks to have a decent show.”
Race 7: Lincoln Lover
2.17pm
“He’s the consummate tradesman, reliable and honest and deserves a win. He was only beaten by the passing lane runner last time after sitting parked for the last lap. He’s drawn to lead here and if he does that he’ll be hard to beat.”
