Rakero Rocket Laps Up Conditions in Methven Cup

Rakero Rocket (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven) lapped up the heavy conditions at Methven last Sunday when taking out the Group Three Alabar Methven Cup (3000m).

The region was struck by heavy rain in the lead-up to the meeting, which led to a number of scratchings, including multiple Group One winner Akuta (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), but the conditions didn’t concern Rakero Rocket’s trainer Tom Bamford, and he was duly rewarded.

The five-year-old gelding began well from behind the 10m tape and was pushed forward early by driver Gavin Smith to take the lead before quickly handing up to Who’s Delight (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).

Rakero Rocket enjoyed an economical passage in the trail for the majority of the journey before taking advantage of the passing lane and fought out a tight battle with Wag Star (NZ) (Sweet Lou) to win by a neck.

"The start was key and he got into a good spot,” Bamford said. “Everyone knows he's a class horse, so I'm glad he was able to show it again.”

The Group One New Zealand Cup (3200m) remains Rakero Rocket’s ultimate aim, for which he is rated a $41 winning hope on the TAB’s futures market.

“We will go to the Canterbury Classic then Ashburton or Kaikoura. This takes a bit of pressure off now,” Bamford said.

Rakero Rocket is out of four-win In The Pocket mare Motu Pocket O’Jewels, a sister to Group Three winner Motu Treasure and half-sister to Group One performer Motu Crusader and Motu Meteor. She has proven to be a great producer, being the dam of Rakero Rocket and Group One performers Caitlyn Clarke and Motu Premier.

Bred by Opawa Downs Limited, Rakero Rocket was offered through Belmont Park’s 2021 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale at Christchurch where he was purchased by akero Racing Stables for $16,000.

He has gone on to win nine and place in six of his 26 starts, including victories in the Group One The Christian Cullen (2600m) and Methven Cup, and placings in the Group One Taylor Mile (1609m), Group Three Autumn Free-For-All (1980m) and Listed NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales Series Aged Classic (2400m), and has accrued more than $290,000 in prizemoney.