Bamford dips toe in G1 water

Young Rangiora harness racing trainer Tom Bamford lines Rakero Rocket (Rock N Roll Heaven) up tomorrow night in a Group One race, a level where neither horse or trainer has been before.

Bamford who’s into just his sixth year of training and Rakero Rocket a thirteen start rookie, head into new territory when the gelding starts in the $200,000 Group One Christian Cullen Four Year Old Classic.

“He’s getting better each run this preparation, so that’s a good sign,” Bamford said.

Rakero Rocket is the least experienced horse in the field and faces two millionaire pacers in Don’t Stop Dreaming and Merlin.

“They’re probably the best two horses in the country and to find out how far off he is from them is exciting.”

At his last start in the Timaru Cup Rakero Rocket powered home from mid field to beat Here’s Herbie by half a length with his removeable deafeners still on.

“Gavin said he did it easily and it was good to see there were a few gears left.”

Bamford says that in a seven horse field the Christian Cullen is likely to be tactical.

“I don’t think they’ll run time. I think it’ll be tactical especially with Don’t Stop Dreaming drawn one with Blair (Orange) on. You’d think he’s going to like to hold the front. It’ll depend on what Merlin does, whether he goes back and comes round later on. They could run a quick last half and those that are close to the speed are likely to run top four. I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully the horse can acquit himself well. I think he’ll be there abouts.”

Beyond tomorrow night’s feature Bamford will race Rakero Rocket in some of the upcoming Country Cup features.

“Those good horses run time each and every week, so I just think he needs to get used to doing that each and every week. That’ll harden him up a bit as well. I’d like to have this prep going through the Country Cups and hopefully make the final (in May). We’ll then tip him out and look to put him on a New Zealand Cup path.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink