Johnny Rocker out to continue meteoric rise in Group 1 The Goodwood at Morphettville

One of Australia’s most improved horses is a top chance to cement himself as a possible hope for The Everest via Saturday’s Group 1 Goodwood at Morphettville.

Johnny Rocker will be out to continue his rise through Australia’s sprinting ranks in Saturday’s Group 1 Goodwood in Adelaide. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images.

Australia’s most improved sprinter could take a step towards a berth in The Everest via Saturday’s Group 1 The Goodwood in Adelaide.

Johnny Rocker was beaten in a Benchmark 70 race at Flemington on debut for trainer Nick Ryan in January but his form spiked three starts later when he challenged the mighty Kiwi Imperatriz in the William Reid Stakes.

Johnny Rocker stunned punters when he ran Imperatriz to a head as a $71 chance but Ryan said the stallion showed glimpses of Group 1 ability in a trial down the straight in the summer.

“Before he won at The Valley, in the (benchmark) 78, he trialled with all of the Newmarket horses up the straight,” Ryan said.

🟣 Bhima G1 Winner 🟣
The queen Imperatriz (I Am Invincible x Berimbau) makes it the perfect 10, claiming back-to-back editions of the G1 William Reid S. @TheValley!!

Huge congrats to her breeders, @RafflesRacing and all at @TeAkauRacing 🍾#soldinthepurplepic.twitter.com/VqeZ8v9ZyL

— Bhima Thoroughbreds (@BhimaTBreds) March 23, 2024

“He trialled with Cylinder and Magic Time and he was just climbing over their backs.

“So, had he not got crook after his second-up run, he would have been running in the Oakleigh Plate and the Newmarket (Handicap).”

Johnny Rocker showed the William Reid Stakes performance was no fluke when he headed to Sydney for the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes during The Championships at Randwick.

The son of Jukebox struggled to handle the heavy conditions but still managed to finish only two lengths from Chain Of Lightning and Bella Nipotina.

Ryan said another bold run in the Group 1 Goodwood would lead to a spell before a spring campaign aimed at some of Australia’s biggest sprints.

Johnny Rocker (left) almost produced a boilover at $71 in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes in March. Picture: Getty Images.

“I reckon if he runs well, we might spell and look at the spring, the Moir and the Manikato (Stakes),” Ryan said.

“We could even try to get a slot in The Everest but it’s all performance-based.

“The sprinting ranks are changing and Imperatriz isn’t there, which helps.”

Johnny Rocker is a $9 chance in TAB’s early Goodwood market, which features star Perth mare Amelia’s Jewel as the $3.50 favourite.

Chain Of Lightning takes the TJ Smith Stakes (G1)!

pic.twitter.com/5dOSUK5CF3

— IFHA's Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings (@worldsbesthorse) April 6, 2024

Ryan said the market was a good indicator of the depth of the Goodwood field but said Johnny Rocker was versatile enough to cope with most scenarios.

“I think barrier draws and the runs in the race will have a big effect on it,” Ryan said.

“He can do anything. He’s got gate speed or can go forward or back with no worries.

“I think we get in well at the weights too, with only 54.5kg.”

Originally published as Johnny Rocker out to continue meteoric rise in Group 1 The Goodwood at Morphettville