I Have A Dream: Roy Rogers
When quizzed on what Western Australian race he would most like to win the reply from Albany-based trainer Roy Rogers was emphatic.
“I don’t know what it is, but ever since I was a kid it has been my dream to win a Karrakatta Plate,” Rogers told The Races WA.
“Growing up I was always fascinated by the race and followed trainers such as Frank Maynard and Trevor Andrews.
“To me there is something special about a two-year-old and winning the Karrakatta Plate would be amazing.
“And they are not easy to win, just finding a good enough two-year-old to compete in the race is hard enough.
“It’s a tough game, but I love the process of finding a good two-year-old, buying them, training them and finding owners.”
Rogers hopes his dream can turn into reality when he saddles up Dark Assault in Saturday’s Amelia Park-Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot.
The colt is still a maiden galloper and one of the rank outsiders in the Karrakatta Plate, but Rogers says Dark Assault’s past two runs have been his best.
It’s a sentiment shared by David Harrison who believes that it’s Dark Assault who poses the biggest threat to his unbeaten colt, Gemma’s Son, the raging $1.75 favourite.
Harrison has been at close hand observing Dark Assault and likes what he has seen from the Great Southern juvenile, in particular his two recent efforts behind Gemma’s Son.
In the Magic Millions (1200m) at Pinjarra Dark Assault fought on strongly for fourth after racing wide and in the Perth Stakes (1100m) he ran second after momentarily looking the winner 150 metres out.
Despite his $41 status with Tabtouch, Rogers says he gives Dark Assault a big chance of scoring an upset win in the Karrakatta Plate.
“I think at his current price he is overs,” Rogers said.
“And I hope Harro (Harrison) is right because he is a good judge.
“But he (Dark Assault) is in good order and I think he can run well.
“He has drawn perfectly and that is half the battle in big races.
“He will lead, but if they go mad in front he can go back and get cover.
“From his position he can have a perfect run and be in it.”
Dark Assault has drawn barrier three and will be ridden by Jarrad Noske.
Julio Santarelli