Great Southern trainer Roy Rogers says stable newcomer Brutus Maximus has the ability to win the Tabtouch-Pinjarra Cup (2300m) on Sunday.
Brutus Maximus raced his way into contention for the Listed provincial feature after passing a distance query in last Sunday’s Albany Cup (2100m).
Facing his first acid test beyond 1600 metres, Brutus Maximus ran on strongly to finish a creditable 1 ¼ length second to hot favourite Marocchino.
It was the six-year-olds second start for Roy Rogers after he made a flying start by winning a 1600m event on debut at Albany last month.
Brutus Maximus joined Rogers’ team after two wins with previous trainer, David Harrison. He had one appearance for Hayes-Hayes-Dabernig and ran third at Sandown.
In a field of eight Pinjarra Cup starters, Brutus Maximus, on the 54kg minimum, has drawn barrier two. Jordan Turner retains the ride.
Rogers, who recorded his biggest race victory with Hoi An in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1100m), is buoyant of claiming another feature race.
“I thought he ran a really good race,” Rogers told The Races WA.
“If you look at the sectionals, he ran the quickest last 600m.
“He’s come through it in good order ad I’ve got no concerns about backing him up.
“It’s not the strongest edition of the race and it’s pretty even.
“Trap For Fools has top weight and deserves it.
“He is rock hard fit and conditioned.
“I’m just fortunate that he came to me from David Harrison’s in very good order.
“He’s enjoying a change of environment and a change of routine.”
Meanwhile Rogers says juveniles Hoi An and Heavenly Waters had pulled up a treat from their unplaced runs in the Karrakatta Plate (1200m) and will progress to the WA Sires’ in a fortnight.
Big Bada Boom, a gallant second to Black Shadow after a month since his fifth win in Albany, would contest another 1800m race in two weeks.
