When Johnny Rocker first entered the stable of Nick Ryan, he was told to aim for the stars and then work your way down.
The former Brisbane galloper had his first start for Ryan at Flemington back in January and the trainer thought Johnny Rocker would go there and win.
However, the Flemington-based trainer was left disillusioned when Johnny Rocker was beaten into second place.
“I was absolutely shocked when he got beaten first-up at Flemington in a benchmark 70, but it was Mornington Glory that beat him,” Ryan said.
“It turns out that day they ran something like the fifth fastest time up the straight in history.
“I stood there that day and thought ‘what have I done here’, but looking back now, it’s no surprise.”
It took to start number three for Johnny Rocker to strike winning form, at Moonee Valley at benchmark 78 level, which was then at his next outing he beat all home bar multiple Group 1 winning mare Imperatriz in the Manikato Stakes.
Ryan said it was no surprise to see Johnny Rocker almost pull off the impossible that day.
“The owners had a very high opinion of him and when they sent him to me, they said ‘aim for the stars and work your way down’,” Ryan said.
“We did that, and it nearly paid off.”
Johnny Rockey had two starts at Group 1 level following that placing, finishing eighth in the T J Smith at Randwick and then 11th in The Goodwood at Morphettville.
The horse is about to embark on his latest campaign which kicks off in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Ryan said Johnny Rocker has had a solid build-up following a slight set-back around a month ago and will derive benefit from what he does on Saturday.
“He got a little bug and was over that in about four days and once he got over that, he’s really come on,” Ryan said.
“He’s still got a fair bit to come in the coat, but I was very happy with his trial at Cranbourne against some good horses and I’m happy with the way he’s come thought it.
“He’s certainly ready to run in the Moir.
“Looking at him and looking at his coat, he’ll be peaking second-up in three weeks into the Manikato, but in saying that it will be a hot race over 1000 metres at The Valley on Saturday.
“If you draw low and they run along, who knows, but it is a very strong Moir this year.”
Ryan hopes the Moir Stakes and then the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 27 may lead to a start in The Everest at Randwick.
He said there had been no interest yet from slot holders, but with two important Group 1 races looming, there was still plenty of time.
“I guess they sitting back waiting and watching the Moir and Manikato,” Ryan said.
“It’s three weeks to the Manikato and then three weeks for The Everest, so we’ll see.
“There’s plenty of water to go under the bridge yet.”
Ryan will take Johnny Rocker to The Valley on Tuesday morning for another look at the track in preparation for his return run.