As hard as he tried, jockey Shaun O’Donnell couldn’t find a slot for tough mare Searchin’ Roc’s when he was aboard her last time out in the Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes (1400m).
From barrier 15 O’Donnell was left stranded four wide without cover in no man’s land, but testament to Searchin’ Roc’s courage and doggedness she never shirked the issue.
Entitled to give up the chase after covering extra territory, the Jim Taylor-trained six-year-old kept coming in the straight and was only beaten 2.2 lengths when fifth to Comfort Me.
Searchin’ Roc’s fronts up again to contest Saturday’s Group 2 Perth Racing Member Appreciation-Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) and plenty of her admirers think she will rebound.
O’Donnell, who was left gushing in praise of Searchin’ Roc’s after the Eurythmic Stakes, agrees with her supporters, but worries history could repeat itself after she copped another awkward barrier draw.
Searchin’ Roc’s, currently second favourite in an open betting affair, will jump from barrier 11, the widest gate in the Lee Steere Stakes, but O’Donnell is hoping for a slice of luck that deserted him last start.
“I thought I assessed it quite well last time, but I got caught off a limb and really had a terrible run,” O’Donnell said on Tabradio.
“But, gee, didn’t she run a fantastic race.
“Look, there’s a little bit of pace in this race and I just have to find a back end to follow.
“I think her run last start suggests the Taylor camp have got her firing really well.
“If she drew a gate the other day she probably finishes inside the top five.
“It’s going to be tricky, but I hope I can get a decent run and she can get a decent chance.”
Tabtouch has Searchin’ Roc’s at $4.20; Comfort Me the $4 betting site favourite with Magnificent Andy $4.80.
Last year’s winner, Valour Road ($8) and Zipaway ($9) round out runners in single figure odds.
Earlier, O’Donnell is excited to be teaming up with Street Band in the Seacorp Fairetha Stakes (1400m).
The Lucky Street colt got a long way out of his ground in the Belgravia Stakes (1200m), but O’Donnell liked the way he hit the line when finishing seventh and 3.2 lengths shy of West Star.
“I thought his run the other day when Jason Whiting rode him he got right back, but I thought his sectionals were quite good,” O’Donnell said.
“He galloped good for me on the grass during the week and we’re expecting him to go really well.
“I’m excited to be on this little fella and it’s a great little ride.
“Obviously in these races you need a bit of luck and a nice run.”
Street Band, a member of Trevor Andrews’ team, is $23 with betting apps.
Neville Parnham’s exciting Playing God colt September Born holds $2.45 favouritism.
