History lesson could Rock Capalaba’s Origin showdown

By Pat McLeod

The history books reveal some interesting lessons for Churchable trainer Jason Schmidt and his Capalaba flyer Rio Will Rock ahead of Sunday’s Terry Hill Straight Of Origin Final.

Firstly, this time last year Schmidt decided to head in the direction of the lucrative Thunderbolt at Grafton instead of contesting the Straight of Origin at Capalaba.

“Well, that was the wrong decision, wasn’t it,” the veteran conditioner says with a hearty chuckle.

“In hindsight, of course we made the wrong decision."

And, history lesson number two?

The strong favourite for Sunday’s interstate showdown is the Peter Lagogiane-trained Badger’s Beast, who is perfectly positioned in box one. 

Interestingly, Badger’s Beast started his career with two Capalaba starts, both second placings, way back in October, 2023.

In his first start he was runner-up to Mark Maroney’s Fire Paws. 

But, in his second start, he placed second to none other than Rio Will Rock, who was also having his second start.

Schmidt will be hoping that piece of history will repeat, but it all comes down to the start.

“I believe Rio Will Rock has a good chance on Sunday as long as he comes out OK,” Schmidt said.

“He didn't come out well last Sunday (running second to Bye Bye Swiper at Capalaba) and appeared to stumble after he jumped.

“He was almost the last off the mat, which he can't afford to do this weekend.

“If he comes out with them then I believe he has a good chance, because he’s going as good as he has ever gone.”

Schmidt’s summation on his dog’s current form is a sombre warning to the rest of the field because Rio Will Rock holds the Capalaba track record at 19.17 seconds. 

“Is he going as good as 19.17 seconds? Well, you would love to think so, but it would be very hard to beat that mark,” Schmidt offered.

“This is a tough race with big threats across the field, but especially from the one (Badger’s Beast) and the eight (Daysea’s Rory).

“The five (Logie Magic) won at Richmond (on Thursday) so is obviously in very good form.”

Schmidt said he was ’70%’ convinced to try his luck with Rio Will Rock in the Thunderbolt heats the following Sunday at Grafton.

“He trialled well at The Q on Monday, so the Thunderbolt is back in the frame,” he said.

“But, first, the focus is Capalaba on Sunday.”

Meanwhile, fellow Churchable trainer Casey Dargusch just wants a clear run for her Straight Of Origin contender Bye Bye Swiper, who has drawn box four.

“Our best-case scenario on Sunday will come from a clean run that allows him to get over to the rail,” Dargusch said.

“Bye Bye Swiper’s big asset at Capalaba is that he is strong at the end of a race. He can jump but rarely does. So, his strength is his run home.

“The problem on Sunday is that there are so many strong dogs - Rio Will Rock, Blue Art, Daysea’s Rory, all the local dogs, are very strong.

“It is a hot field this one, I believe one of the strongest ever for this feature.

“Hopefully we (Queensland) can turn the tables on NSW on Sunday after Wednesday night's (Queensland State Of Origin rugby league) loss at Suncorp Stadium.

“It is always great to represent your state, especially in a big race like this. And, if Bye Bye Swiper can't do it on Sunday, we are just hopeful that one of the other Queensland dogs does.”