The last time the Mornington-based stable of David Brideoake andĀ Matt JenkinsĀ stable took Rogue RockerĀ on a trip to Adelaide, they had a pleasant drive home.
The team is heading back to the āCity of Churchesā looking to replicate that victory when Rogue Rocker lines up in the Frank Whiteās 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 OppermanĀ 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 Brideoakeās and Jenkinsā care having started out with John SmerdonĀ on the Gold Coast before stints with Shane JacksonĀ 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.
āHeās in good shape to be going over there,ā Brideoake said.
āThe distance is right, he has drawn well, and he has a good jockey on board, so I think weāve got a good chance.
āWe got one over there with him last time in work, and he has been very genuine.
āI 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.ā