Sir Rocket keen to bounce back after Magic Millions Cup defeat

By Glenn Davis

Gold Coast trainer Michael Costa is hopeful a decision to bypass the Listed Sunshine Coast Cup with Sir Rocket will reap its rewards when the Magic Millions Country Cup winner starts at Doomben on Saturday.

Sir Rocket will head towards the Benchmark 85 Handicap over 1350 metres while Costa has accepted with four other horses including The Ritz and Supergiant in the Benchmark 78 Handicap.

However, The Ritz – a five times winner in nine career starts - is likely to head to Sydney for a similar Benchmark 78 race at Randwick.

Costa will also start Axe in the Open Handicap over 1200 metres as well as unbeaten Husson’s Revenge in the QTIS Three-Year-old Handicap over 1350 metres.

Sir Rocket was a brilliant winner of the Magic Millions Country Cup at the Gold Coast on January 8 but failed to back-up a week later when sixth to Eleven Eleven in the Magic Millions Cup.

“The Country Cup was his target for four months and he ran a great race in the Magic Millions Cup,” Costa said.

“We nominated him for last week’s Sunshine Coast Cup but he’s still got two or three wins left in him before he needs to step up to a Stakes race.

“I thought he did a good job in the Magic Millions Cup.

"He was tucked away too much on the rail and couldn’t get out to attack the leaders.”

Costa said no major plans had been set out for Sir Rocket after his Doomben assignment.

“But, the way he’s developing he could go for a short break soon and head to the winter carnival,” he said.

Costa also expects a strong showing from Husson’s Revenge and Supergiant while Axe has had to overcome a few setbacks this campaign.

Husson’s Revenge produced a strong performance winning on debut at Grafton on January 23.

“It was a very professional win after he sat outside the leader,” Costa said.

“He didn’t let down as we had hoped but he did his best work late.

“It looks like the extra distance to 1350 metres is really going to suit him.”

Costa said Axe and Supergiant have had contrasting campaigns but both look to be on the improve.

Axe has had three starts this time in and was beaten only two and a half lengths when a much improved eighth in the Magic Millions Cup while Supergiant is coming off a strong fourth to Sea Raider in a Benchmark race at Doomben on January 22.

“Axe has had a really interrupted campaign but his last run was good,” Costa said.

“He had a setback with the weather and then a foot abscess but this race isn’t as strong as we thought.

“With Supergiant everything is going well. His rider Andrew Mallyon thought he was going to win at the 400 metres last run but he knocked up late.

“He’s cherry ripe for this and he gets two kilos off for Jaden Lloyd.”