Andrew Bobbin has zero qualms about testing Off His Roca (NZ) (El Roca) in city grade, with the in-form galloper and regular hoop Tom Prebble to head to Flemington on Sunday.
The son of El Roca has improved dramatically this campaign, kicking off with a third placing in 0-58 grade and dominantly winning a Benchmark 64 just three starts later.
It is the form page of a horse who is relishing his racing and Bobbin is delighted to see him hit his straps over the longer distances this time in.
As such, he doesn’t feel the rise to 2550 metres, nor Benchmark 70 grade, will pose any major issues for Off His Roca and he is keen to see what the five-year-old can do up in class.
“He’s ticking along really well and he should get every bit of the 2550m, that’s the indication he’s given in his last few races,” Bobbin said.
“He took a while to learn how to settle in his runs and it’s probably taken him two preps for the penny to drop in regard to staying.
“But now, he’s very tractable, he can be ridden quietly and relax, or he can be up on speed, similar to how he was in his last two wins. His last two wins have been on the Heavy, but he does go on top of the ground as well.
“At Flemington this weekend, I expect he’ll be getting some cover somewhere, building into the race and hopefully hitting the line very strongly.”
Bobbin is delighted to give Prebble an opportunity in town, with the pair doing plenty of work together since the 22-year-old kicked off his career in 2022.
Together, they boast five wins and a further seven placings from 39 starts, giving them a strike-rate of 12 per cent for winners and 30 per cent for placings when teaming up.
“I’ve been a fan of Tommy Prebble’s for a long time, he’s really helped me out and I’ve enjoyed watching his development,” Bobbin said.
“He’s been all over the countryside for me, riding in the bush … he really deserves his opportunities in the city.
“He’s ridden this horse to his last two wins, so if Tom could win on him in town, it would certainly be a fitting reward for him.”
