The last time the Mornington-based stable of David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins stable took Rogue Rocker on a trip to Adelaide, they had a pleasant drive home.
The team is heading back to the ‘City of Churches’ looking to replicate that victory when Rogue Rocker lines up in the Frank White’s 80th Birthday Handicap (1300m) on the Morphettville Parks circuit on Saturday.
Rogue Rocker won a 1517m race on the roomier Morphettville circuit last October, with Jacob Opperman in the saddle, who has the ride again on Saturday, before going on to run second in the Ballan Cup at Geelong and third in the Tatura Cup the following month, after which he was spelled.
After two quiet jump-outs in preparation for his return, Rogue Rocker finished third in a benchmark 78 grade race over 1100m at Flemington on Anzac Day.
It was a first-up performance that pleased Brideoake, but more importantly it served as notice that Rogue Rocker had returned from his break in excellent shape.
This preparation is the second under Brideoake’s and Jenkins’ care having started out with John Smerdon on the Gold Coast before stints with Shane Jackson and Lindsey Smith.
Since being with Brideoake and Jenkins, Rogue Rocker has shown himself to be a good traveller as he finished third at Murray Bridge the start prior to his Morphettville success.
“He’s in good shape to be going over there,” Brideoake said.
“The distance is right, he has drawn well, and he has a good jockey on board, so I think we’ve got a good chance.
“We got one over there with him last time in work, and he has been very genuine.
“I thought his first-up run was really pleasing behind two fairly handy horses in a relatively low-level race and I expect him to give a good account of himself with the way he has trained on well since.”
