Jim Taylor is looking forward to the challenge of preparing talented mare Searchin’ Roc’s.
The four-year-old has transferred to his care from David Harrison and Taylor is excited by the challenge ahead.
“I probably wouldn’t have taken her because she’s a bad barrier horse, but I don’t mind a challenge,” Taylor told The Races WA.
‘I don’t like taking them off other people, but it’s a problem horse and I want a challenge.
“It’s not about improving her, because David (Harrison) had her flying, it’s improving her barrier manners.”
Searchin’ Roc’s has displayed above average ability with six wins from 12 starts, but her headstrong nature, whilst a strength, also proved to be a weakness.
The daughter of Awesome Rock was difficult to load into the barriers and was sent to noted barrier educators Jeff and Fenella Martin.
Searchin’ Roc’s celebrated a great three-year-old season by winning the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m) and Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) last year.
She enters Taylor’s stable after taking out the Listed Belmont Oaks (2000m) in a thriller over former stable mate Pat’s Got Sass in July.
Taylor has mapped out an ambitious Pinnacles campaign for his new acquisition.
She begins in a 1400m ratings race in October, progresses to the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) before hopefully culminating in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m).
Harrison said he was bitterly disappointed to see Searchin’ Roc’s leave his stable.
