Trish Dunell
Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman are on the lookout for some cups targets in the coming weeks for Camino Rocoso after his impressive win in the Taupo Cup (1950m) on Sunday.
The son of Shocking put in a solid runner-up performance at Te Rapa earlier this month and took that form into Sunday’s race, winning by 2-1/4 lengths over Battle Royal.
“It was a very good run there (Te Rapa) and it wasn’t much of a step-up in opposition yesterday. He got a good draw, a lovely run and Michael (Coleman) rode him a treat I thought,” Forsman said.
While the five-year-old gelding still has a bit to learn on raceday, Forsman believes his charge could add another cups scalp to his record in the near future.
“He is still inclined to race a bit erratically and he hung in a little bit yesterday when they slackened the speed,” he said.
“We are still trying to figure him out in a lot of ways. We will take it one race at a time and while he’s in good form we’ll just see what’s around for him.
“He has performed well enough over his own age group over middle distances, so it could be worth having a look at some cups options.”
Meanwhile, Forsman was pleased with stablemate Mental Telepathy’s run for fourth in the race.
The five-year-old gelding will now be set on a path towards the Gr.3 NZ Campus For Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) next month.
“He drew out yesterday and was always going to have to get back from the draw,” Forsman said.
“It was a good solid effort considering the first three in the run were the first three home. They didn’t make up too much ground and he whacked away nicely, knowing that 2200m and 2400m are going to be more his go.
“He’s on a Wellington Cup path at this stage. He could back-up on Saturday in the Marton Cup (Listed, 2200m).” – NZ Racing Desk