Riviera Rock has been runner-up in the last two editions of the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) and trainer Graham Eade would like to breakthrough for that elusive victory at Wingatui in February.
The Riverton trainer has earmarked the February 2 assignment and believes they are on target for the race following the gelding's half-length victory at Ascot Park on Saturday.
The nine-year-old gelding jumped well from barrier eight for jockey Brandon May, who took his charge straight to the front and dictated terms throughout, holding out the late challenge of Humbucker and Vague.
“It was a good win and he deserves it,” Eade said. “He had been trying but the weight has been getting on his back. It was a nice weight (57kg) on Saturday and he went well, I was rapt with him.
“Those two that were close to him are pretty good horses, but he toughed it out.”
Riviera Rock paid $22.90 for the win, a mark Eade thought was well over the odds.
“I didn't think he would pay that much. Those runs at Christchurch, he was carrying around 60-kilos and his runs weren't that bad,” he said.
The Dunedin Gold Cup remains the primary target this preparation, with the Road To Rock gelding's next outing set to be at Wingatui on Boxing Day.
“On Boxing Day we will give him a run in the Open 2200m. I know we are going to get weight but at this stage of his life he is going to get what he gets,” Eade said.
Eade leases Riviera Rock off Palmerston North breeder Philip Jeffreys and the pair have enjoyed a successful relationship over many years.
“I got Comanche Gold off him and Amigo. They have been handy horses,” Eade said.
“He (Jeffreys) was looking for somewhere to place one of his horses a few years ago and I knew a lady from Winton and she put him onto me. We have had 40 wins, it has been lucrative for both of us.”
While looking forward to campaigning Riviera Rock over summer, a stable newcomer is also set to step out for Eade at his home track on New Year's Day.
“I have got a new starter I got from Christchurch called Nortolose,” he said. “He will start in a maiden mile at Riverton. I am going to run him over ground.”