Trainer Paddy Cunningham is hoping for a smooth run with Rocky Ride at Armidale on Tuesday.
The son of All Too Hard finished last at his one and only start at Ipswich for his original trainer Stuart Kendrick on August 5 last year.
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Despite the change of address, Rocky Ride’s first three runs for Cunningham were similarly underwhelming until a change in fortune at start four.
“He hadn’t done much before he won at Grafton then he was good in defeat at Coffs Harbour,’’ Cunningham said.
“When you come back to an 800m race they just go that much quicker and he got run of his legs a little bit.’’
Rocky Ride has drawn barrier 11 (before scratchings) but has enough zip to overcome.
“He should be able to sit outside the leader you’d think on his previous run,’’ Cunningham told The Daily Telegraph.
“If he was very impressive on Tuesday I suppose you have got to look (at a Highway) but it’s a fair way from here to Sydney.’’
Cunningham will have his hands full at Armidale with five of his Glen Innes-housed string making the two and a half hour return trip.
First out of the blocks is Wet And Windy who finished runner-up to the talented Maximum Vortex at Grafton three starts ago.
A direct relation to 1985 Golden Slipper winner, Rory’s Jester, Wet And Windy will need things to pan out for her from a wide draw in the Inverell Sporties Maiden Plate (1100m).
“She has always drawn bad alleys and hasn’t had a lot of luck at any stage,’’ Cunningham explained.
“Her form is really good. She has bumped into a couple of good ones along the way.
“I am hoping they go quick enough that they break up and she can get in.’’
Cunningham has been dealt at least one decent alley at Tuesday’s meeting with Dune And Dusted to start from box one compared to his 12 of 12, 7 of 8 and 8 of 8 so far in his brief career.
“His runs have been good,’’ says Cunningham.
“He won well at Grafton at his second start and then last start there, he drew wide and he ended up getting ridden for speed and he just got caught deep and it was a very strong race too.’’