Rakero Rocket heads to the paddock

After impressively winning the Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Classic, rising harness racing star Rakero Rocket (Rock N Roll Heaven) is heading for a break, but he has some big targets on his agenda.

Driver Gavin Smith took the free going pacer straight to the top and dictated the tempo of the race with his main danger Xlendi on his tail.

Turning in, Smith opened the throttle and Rakero Rocket came away to win by a length and a quarter from Xlendi with Built For Glory a further four and a quarter lengths back in third.

“He’s just got the all round game. He’s fast, he’s tough and just a lovely horse. Circumstances went against him on the first day. He had to burn a bit early to settle in front of the Dunn horses which I thought gave us a tactical advantage. He got a bit keen coming off the back and it probably undid him over 3000 metres,” Smith said when recounting the horse’s run for second on Friday. “It was a bit of a stroll around today and I didn’t have to burn early.”

RAKERO ROCKET REPLAY

The time for the 1609 metres was 1-53.7 with the last 800 metres run in 55.6 and the last 400 in an impressive 26.7.

“He got it easy enough and jogged that. He’s not the same horse in front because you have to ask him to keep giving. Whereas off a helmet he’s pretty potent,” Bamford said.

Once home at his Rangiora base Rakero Rocket will go out for a break.

“There are a few targets coming up, so we’ll put him out and let him put a bit of weight on. He’s been pretty light in the last couple of months.”

This campaign the five year old has been as far south as Invercargill and has raced twice in Nelson.

“I thought that now’s the time to give him a couple of trips away. He’s had enough starts to qualify for the Country Cups (Championship). Potentially if he can get a slot in The Race (April 4th) that could be a big target, whereas longer term it’ll be the New Zealand Cup.”

Bamford stated that once Rakero Rocket commences his quest for the Cup he’ll race exclusively from stands.

“He’s been racing from stands to mobile, and back to stands. By starting him from the stand it’ll hopefully get his confidence back and I’ll be able to take him off the unruly to help build that confidence back. I’d say come New Zealand Cup time, he’ll be on the tape and not on the unruly.”

In addition earlier in the day Bamford won with Light Me Up (Bettor’s Delight).

It was an inch perfect drive from Blair Orange who had to navigate his passing lane run when Shannon B paced roughly on a number of occasions. But the leggy pacer got the business done where it counted, getting his big frame in front and winning by half a neck.

“He’s slowly figuring out what being a racehorse is. Blair said he was still gawking around. It was good he got the maiden (win) out of the way and will hopefully go on from here. Blair thought he had a wee bit left which is pleasing going forward.”

LIGHT ME UP REPLAY

Bamford says at this stage Light Me Up is better trailing a horse than being in front.

“At home when he’s in front he just does what he has to and waits for the other ones to come with him. He’s been really good up here in Nelson so hopefully that’ll stand to him.”

Light Me Up and Rakero Rocket are both owned by Ronnie Dawe.

“It’s been great. He handed me the keys to the garage so to speak. It’s good that we’re chipping through the winners.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink