Rogers to saddle up seven in race for premiership

Albany trainer Roy Rogers is enjoying a career-best season, having trained 29 winners including 21.5 here in the Great Southern, and he will be out to extend that tally in Sunday’s meeting at Percy Spencer Racecourse.

Rogers will saddle up seven runners on Sunday as he looks to chase down Great Southern Trainers’ Premiership leader Steve Wolfe (23 wins) over the final few meetings of the local season.

Albany will hold the $23,000 Skyracing.TV Provincial Championship Series Heat (1230m) in the seven-race card, a race that has attracted a very strong field of 14.

Malilangwe represents Rogers’ best chance in the race, a last-start Albany winner.

The five-year-old has had three starts since joining Rogers’ stable but faces his biggest test after drawing barrier 11 in the cracker line-up.

“He has got issues and came to me with issues,” Rogers said.

“This is a big test for me as a trainer and him as a horse.

“I’ve got him as sound and as happy as I possibly can.

“It’s quite a strong field but (Daniel) Staeck has chosen to ride him, which is a good sign.”

Staeck will ride the winner at two of his past three starts in the heat.

Consistent type Messiah, who has won two races this campaign, will be ridden by Ellie Asphar as Rogers’ other galloper in the race.

“He is a good rough chance with the lightweight,” Rogers said.

“The quick speed will suit him.”

Wolfe is represented by five runners in the race, led by joint topweights Three Secrets and War Jeune.

Both have to carry 60kg while All Too Much, Boxonlucy and Cold As Cold will also be in Wolfe colours.

Former Wolfe apprentice and accomplished senior jockey Tayla Stone will make a welcome return to Albany, having not ridden here since 2017-18.

Stone will be aboard War Jeune and links up with several Wolfe runners in a strong book of six rides. Meanwhile, Rogers is confident Classic Jack can compete well in Saturday’s listed Melvista Stakes (2200m) at Ascot.

Classic Jack finished eighth in the Lex Piper Stakes (1600m) and was seventh home in the J.C Roberts Stakes (1800m) and will be ridden by Staeck.

“He was a bit flat last run so I’ve changed his work around a bit and got him out of the heavy sand,” Rogers said.

“He’s got race fitness so we wanted to freshen him up a bit.”