Rocket should stay, says Candice

Trainer Candice-Bass Robinson believes Rocket Countdown will see out the 2200m of the Vodacom Durban July.

Betting World have him as a 35-1 shot but his trainer believes her charge has the class to win the R4.25-million race.

“We must not forget he won a Group 2 – he won the Selangor. He’s a nice horse coming into the race in good shape and in good form,” the Western Cape-based Bass-Robinson said.

“Obviously, it is the first time he is going over 2200m but I don’t see this trip being a problem. I think pedigree-wise he’s bred to go that distance and he certainly shows at home he will see it out.

“He travelled up well and he put up a very good July gallop. He is drawn well, and he is pretty much an outsider in the field. But I’m quietly confident that he will run a good race.”

While he has yet to run at Greyville Bass-Robinson has no concern about Rocket Countdown handling the course. “I think the Greyville track will suit my horse. He’s got a good turn of foot. We are hoping for him to run into the money.”

Bass-Robinson is the defending trainer champion in this race as she won it last year with Marinaresco. This year she believes if you take African Night Sky out of the equation, anybody can win it. “It’s a very open July this year, I think, without Justin Snaith’s favourite. Whatever beats that horse will win the July.

“Among the rest of the horses, there is not much between them, and I think whoever is in the right place at the right time and who is faster on the day – it’s that type of race this year.” –