He’s Our Rokkii will join imported stayers Harlem and Ventura Storm as Lindsay Park’s representatives in the Caulfield Cup.
The forecast of rain on Thursday has enticed the stable to chase Saturday’s $1.8 million first prize and senior trainer David Hayes said the owners of He’s Our Rokkii were keen to try him at 2400m.
He’s Our Rokkii finished last behind Bonneval in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield on October 1 before running eighth in the Craven Plate at Randwick on Saturday.
“He’s struggling a little bit but we saw the weather forecast and the prospects of rain,” Hayes said.
“He’s qualified, in the field, so we thought we’d give him a try.”
He will carry 54kg with Luke Nolen to ride.
While He’s Our Rokkii, the 2016 Toorak Handicap winner, may be struggling for form, Hayes says Harlem and Ventura Storm are in top condition.
Harlem, to be ridden by Hong Kong-based Chad Schofield, earned his ticket by winning the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on September 23 before running fifth to Amelie’s Star in The Bart Cummings at Flemington on October 7.
“He just needed the run at the 2500 metres last time,” Hayes said.
“And we’re probably going to put blinkers on him for the race.”
Ventura Storm is yet to win in four Australian starts but Hayes said the five-year-old was crying out for the 2400 metres.
He ran sixth behind Humidor in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 16 before chasing Winx home in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 7.
“He had a good hard run behind Winx and needed it,” Hayes said.
“He’s come through it well and he’ll love getting out to the 2400 metres.”
Four-time Cup winner Damien Oliver will be attempting to equal the record of Scobie Breasley when he rides Ventura Storm.
Harlem ($10) is the highest rated of the trio with TAB ahead of Ventura Storm ($12) and He’s Our Rokkii ($201) while Bonneval is now an easing $6.50 equal favourite with Humidor ahead of international gallopers Admire Deus and Johannes Vermeer at $7.
Market 💰: View the current Caulfield Cup odds
Final acceptances will be taken on Tuesday.
