3 minute read
Roy Rogers isn’t afraid to take on Asian Beau Stakes fancies Kissonallforcheeks and Western Empire with Luke’s Gold and will not be surprised if he caused an upset.
The Albany-based trainer says he can comfortably mount a strong case for Luke's Gold and cites the his two runs back this preparation as critical to his thinking.
Rogers says despite Luke's Gold being a nine-year-old, he's racing in career-best form and his efforts behind two progressive horses on the way up is tough to ignore.
First-up over 1400m without a trial, Luke's Gold was defeated by Kissonallforcheeks, but he made her work hard for the victory when one length behind in second.
Last week in the Northam Cup (1600m) he produced another terrific second placing after going stride for stride with Kaptain Kaos until the final 100m.
Rogers said he's not fussed by who's in the Asian Beau Stakes, he can only worry about his own charge and says the veteran gelding cannot be discounted.
"I thought his run in the Northam Cup was best ever," Rogers told The Races WA.
"His last two efforts have been behind horses with a bit of a future.
"He nearly beat Kissonallforcheeks and then Kaptain Kaos.
"He goes into the race spot on.
"He's rock hard fit and goes back to 1400m.
"If the Northam Cup was over 1400m he wins it.
"I'm not focused on who is in it.
"I only worry about what I can control.
"If he gets luck in running, he'll be in it."
With 11 wins from 66 starts, Luke's Gold is on the cusp of pushing past half a million in stake earnings.
Since March he finished third in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m) and Grandstand Cup before a runner-position in the Northam Cup.
Rogers says the son of Fath will appreciate the quick turnaround from the Northam Cup.
"He has won three times from a seven day back up," Rogers said.
"He has pulled up enormously from the Northam Cup.
"I've kept him happy and he is well.
"He is so tough."
Luke's Gold, a $14 chance in current TABtouch Fixed Odds betting, has drawn barrier one in the Asian Beau Stakes.
He sits behind Western Empire ($2.40) and Kissonallforcheeks ($3.00).
Luke's Gold will be ridden by Shaun O'Donnell.
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