It would be fitting if the Kris Lees-trained ROGUE BEAR were to triumph in the $160,000 Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1800m at Royal Randwick, Australia, on Saturday.
The Australian Turf Club has named the race ‘Vale Mr Alan ‘Jock’ Gollogly’ in honor of him following his passing earlier in the week after a long illness. Jock spent years in the saddle as a jockey both in Australia and overseas before later becoming involved in racing media. However, his last role in racing was as the official track clocker for top Newcastle-based trainer Kris Lees.
“I sat next to Jock three days a week for 20 odd years,” Lees said, who is hopeful ROGUE BEAR – his only runner on the card – can get the job done for Jock. “The quick back up, blinkers on, he could do something and the claim is vital for him as he’s not a big horse,” he said. ROGUE BEAR backs up after finishing third behind Kapakiri over 2000m last Saturday.
Zoumon hard to run down in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes
Just a small field of six lines up in Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m at Ascot Racecourse, Australia, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained gelding ZOUMON looking well placed to emerge victorious.
ZOUMON is making his second start in the west after a moderate effort in the G1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m on the 9th of December. He had a wide draw on that occasion and settled midfield, which differs from his usual winning pattern when he’s been able to lead throughout.
ZOUMON should be able to assume his preferred role as the front-runner in Saturday’s small field. Additionally, the rise to 2100m should suit him given his flawless record at this distance, having won once in his sole attempt.
