Team Rogerson pair poised to pop bubbles
More Wonder will chase stakes success at Pukekohe on Saturday despite the persistence of Hong Kong interest in the Mossman colt.
Hamilton trainer Graeme Rogerson revealed More Wonder had attracted "big money" offers but confirmed he would take his place as favourite in the Listed Diamond Lodge Champagne Stakes (1600m) on Saturday.
"He’ll be running. He’s a colt that’s just getting better and better. He’s taken time to put it together but he’s not a natural two-yearold," said Rogerson, who trains in partnership with his wife Debbie and granddaughter Bailey.
"He’s going to make a lovely three-year-old next season but he deserves his shot at this one.
‘‘He got flattened at the start at Rotorua when he won the other day.
‘‘The way he won, he looks like he’ll get the mile and he worked sensationally on Tuesday."
TAB bookmakers opened More Wonder as a $2.40 favourite for the Champagne Stakes, which has attracted a field of just seven twoyear-olds, among them the Team Rogerson-trained Capellani, a $6 fourth favourite after a fastfinishing third at Rotorua on debut.
"He’s come Rogerson said a of long way," the Roc De Cambes colt.
"Ryan [Elliot, jockey] reckons he wants a trip and he could knock them over."
Rogerson said plans were fluid for the pair after Saturday’s race but the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe on May 26 was an option.
Team Rogerson’s only other entry at Pukekohe on Saturday is Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Gallante, who will only tackle the Ssangyong 2200 if the track is heavy, according to Rogerson.
"He worked well the other morning but he’ll only run if it’s heavy. He’s a mud runner."