28 November 2019 | Ken Casellas
In-form Serpentine trainer Matt Scott is bursting with enthusiasm at the winning prospects of Rock Me Over, who has drawn perfectly at barrier one on the front line in the opening event, the 1730m Simmonds Steel Precision Laser Cutting Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Rock Me Over, to be driven by Shannon Suvaljko, has an outstanding record from the No. 1 barrier at Gloucester Park, having started there six times for four wins, one second and one fourth placing.
“He’s in a rich vein of form,” said Scott. “And he’s such a happy horse at the moment and he has pulled up well after last Friday’s amazing run when second to Four Starzzz Forsa.”
Rock Me Over was restrained from barrier five last week and dropped back to last in the field of seven when the lead time in the 2130m event was a sizzling 35.1sec. Suvaljko attempted to catch the leaders napping when he set Rock Me Over alight after a lap. The five-year-old moved to second with 1150m to travel, but he was kept three wide by Four Starzzz Forsa in the breeze, outside the pacemaker Thereugo.
Wisely, Suvaljko again restrained Rock Me Over, who was eased back to last position. Rock Me Over was sixth on the home turn and sprinted strongly, out four wide, to finish second.
“To make two runs like that last week was quite remarkable,” said Scott. “I thought that it would be a super run if he finished fourth or fifth. The hard run won’t worry him, and he has raced three times in a week before.
“I think that his best run was three starts ago on a Tuesday when Chris Voak drove him and the horse faced the breeze and won, with a 55.8sec. last half.
“He can lead from barrier one this week. He held out Mon Lillies when he won four starts ago. It’s a quick line this week with Bhagwan, Dominate The Dojo, Tanaka Eagle (as well as Mon Lillies and Extreme Prince). But I think he can hold them out and set the pace.”
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