Trainer Sharon Taylor is confident Searchin’ Roc’s is ready to return to her best when she steps up to 1400m in Saturday’s Group 3 Belmont Sprint at Belmont.
The mare resumed in The Joey (1200m) earlier this month and ran ninth, but Taylor said the short trip was always going to be a stretch for her first-up.
“She’s not a pure 1200m horse — 1400m is her sweet spot,” Taylor told Racing WA.
“I was thrilled with how she closed off in The Joey. From a wide draw, she had to settle back, but her sectionals were excellent and it wasn’t a tough run.”
Searchin’ Roc’s, a proven wet tracker, has drawn barrier one and will be partnered by jockey Jessica Valas in a field of 16 runners.
“She’s going to need some luck from the inside,” Taylor said. “Jess just has to find a way to get her off the fence at the right time.”
Despite her ability, Searchin’ Roc’s is a $61 outsider with betting companies, while West Star tops the market at $2.80 ahead of Western Empire ($4.80), Bustler and The Boss Lady ($8), and Magnificent Andy ($9).
Taylor reports the six-year-old has improved sharply since her return and is thriving in training.
“She’s flying at home and I honestly can’t get her going any better,” Taylor said.
Rain is forecast in Perth this week, which could play into her hands. Five of Searchin’ Roc’s eight career wins have come on soft or heavy tracks, including last year’s Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m).
Previously trained by Jim Taylor, Searchin’ Roc’s has excelled under Sharon Taylor’s guidance, winning the Group 3 Peters Stakes and Listed Farnley Stakes since the stable switch.