Yesberg pair hard to beat

Excellent last start performances at Addington have Trent Yesberg’s pairing of Rocknroll Diva and Majestic Action primed for big efforts at Ascot Park on Thursday.

Rocknroll Diva (A Rocknroll Dance) comes into race 1 after reeling off smart splits behind the talented Socrates in her last outing while Majestic Action freefalls down in grade in race 7 after taking on Mataderos recently.

Not just a suitable race on class, the 2200m standing start conditions she will face make race 7 just about perfect for Majestic Action.

“When you look at it that way it is a huge drop back in class and she should take a bit of beating,” Yesberg said.

“She has always been quite a smart mare, she is quite hard work but she is a little bit more settled this time.”

“The 2600m she has been racing over the last couple of starts isn’t her ideal distance.”

“2000m is ideal, so the 2200m on Thursday should be right up her alley.”

Mark Hurrell takes the reins behind Majestic Action (Majestic Son) with Yesberg coming south in the hope of snaring a vital penalty-free junior driver’s win.

“Hopefully she can get a bit of luck and she finishes it off like she can and hopefully we will be going home with a penalty-free win, which makes a big difference to those mares.”

“As soon as she gets into that 60-grade it is going to get a bit tougher because you’re racing effectively open class horses.”

Rocknroll Diva comes into race 1 after winding up late on a 55.4sec last 800m and 27.6sec 400m at Addington.

Though she meets some handy types, few are able to boast having run those kinds of splits before.

“She lost a little bit of ground, too, because she was running out a wee bit.”

“She could’ve gone to the passing lane but ended up drifting back out.”

“It was a pretty handy run and I think she has come on since then, too.”

Having led in the past Rocknroll Diva should have the gate speed to hold a handy spot from barrier 1.

Though tactics will ultimately be left up to driver Matthew Williamson.

“Matty is an aggressive driver, so he will make a decision once he is out there.”

Yesberg starts three more horses across the weekend – all at Sunday’s Hannon Memorial meeting at Oamaru.

With No Gee Ess Tee, Twilight Bromac and Reinmein Patron all looking strong eachway chances the trainer could be in for a big four days.

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by Jonny Turner