Stokers Rock runs from new stable

Peter McKay has been quite taken by Stokers Rock in the short time the southerner has spent with him.

The Matamata trainer took charge of the lightly-raced 5-yearold a couple of weeks ago and he will make his northern debut in Saturday’s Listed Marks Ewen & Associates Kaimai Stakes on his adopted home track.

Stokers Rock won five of his 13 starts for Riverton trainers Michael and Graham Eade before owner Christine Stalker decided to give the son of St Reims his chance in the north.

‘‘The owner wanted him to come up here for a couple of races,’’ McKay said.

‘‘He galloped in company on Tuesday morning and finished off 1000 metres well. My son Shaun rode him and he said it was really nice work.

‘‘We think he’s up to doing something on Saturday and then we’ll take it from there – there’s a few options around for him.’’

Stokers Rock’s best performances have come at Riccarton, where he has won three races including an open handicap in the spring.

‘‘The owner wanted him to come up here for a couple of races.’’ Peter McKay

‘‘His form’s pretty good and he went well in the Coupland’s Mile – he was only just over four lengths from the winner,’’ McKay said.

‘‘He seems better on soft ground, but the track won’t be too firm for him here. We’ve had enough rain and I’m pretty sure it will suit him.’’

McKay also has two strong chances on Saturday in Barcelo (Vadamos at Rich Hill 1400) and Lucky’s Revenge (New World Matamata 1400).

‘‘Barcelo has been up against the good ones all the way through and he hasn’t missed them again,’’ McKay said.

‘‘Lucky’s Revenge just needs a frontrunner so she can take a sit and pounce. The last two times she’s raced there hasn’t been any speed and she’s gone a bit too hard.’’