Warwick Farm trainer David Pfieffer has long held ambitions of running sprinter Rocketing By down the straight at Flemington.
That ambition becomes a reality on Saturday when the seven-year-old runs in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m).
A veteran of 37 starts, Rocketing By will be having just his start in Melbourne having finished sixth in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Sandown in February last year.
Pfieffer believes conditions and the small field will suit Rocketing By on Saturday and the trainer has been able to secure the services of Michael Dee who at the last Flemington meeting on July 20 rode four winners.
“I have always wanted to test him over six furlongs down the straight and it’s a softish track, small field and we’ve got a decent rider on board,” Pfieffer said.
“It will probably be a tight bunch and a sit and sprint. He is a horse who is usually better suited in high-speed races, but that’s encountering a turn.
“He has been there (Melbourne) before, but he hasn’t been down the straight, but it would be nice to set him up for future events.”
Rocketing By has had a busy schedule, starting his campaign in Sydney in March at Rosehill before trips to Wagga, Scone and then onto Brisbane where he ran at Egale Farm and Ipswich.
He was also scratched from an assignment at the Sunshine Coast because of a wet track.
Pfieffer said Rocketing By was in excellent shape after his sojourn north.
“He is a really happy horse at the moment, and he has been working really well,” Pfieffer said.
“He’s also had little let-ups in between, so although it looks like he’s had a busy schedule, he has been looked after all the way through.
“Going to Queensland was like a holiday for him. He went to the beach a few times, he’s come back home and now he’s off on another trip.”
Pfieffer is no stranger to success down the straight at Flemington scoring with Atmospherical in 2014 and Group 1 winning mare I Am Excited winning in 2018.
Rocketing By is the $19 outsider in latest betting on the Aurie’s Star Handicap that has Right To Party the $3.70 favourite ahead of Zarasto at $4.20.