Trainer Nick Ryan has decided to bypass the Listed Carlyon Stakes at The Valley this Saturday with his sprinter Johnny Rocker, opting instead to focus on two Group 1 races at the same venue in the coming weeks.
Johnny Rocker, who was nominated for the Carlyon Stakes (1000m), will now be saved for the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) on September 7 at The Valley, where he will make his first-up run. The Moir Stakes will be followed by the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) on September 27, also at The Valley.
Ryan expressed confidence in Johnny Rocker’s preparation, especially after a pleasing gallop at The Valley on Tuesday under jockey Mark Zahra. “I’ve been really happy with him the last two weeks,” Ryan said. Johnny Rocker is scheduled for a trial at Cranbourne on Monday to finalise his plans for the Moir Stakes.
Johnny Rocker has shown strong form at The Valley, including a near-upset of Imperatriz when finishing second in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes in March. Ryan hopes strong performances in the Moir and Manikato Stakes could put Johnny Rocker in contention for an Everest slot.
Meanwhile, Ryan also confirmed that Munhamek, who finished sixth in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes, is likely to target the Heatherlie Stakes over 1700m on Saturday week.
Ryan’s decision to focus on Group 1 features highlights his confidence in Johnny Rocker’s potential to compete at the highest level, with The Valley proving to be a key battleground for the sprinter’s spring campaign.
Johnny Rocker is a $26 chance in markets for the Manikato Stakes with online bookies.
