LARRIKIN GOES BACK TO BACK
WHAT ABOUT THAT?
Who would have thought it? Just a week after Larrikin Rogue broke a three-year drought, he had the QLD Rogues owners cheering again with a brilliant back-to-back victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The old seven-day back-up — which we love — worked a treat, despite Larrikin dropping back to 1400m after winning over the mile at Doomben just seven days earlier. No problem whatsoever.
Everyone loves a winner, but somehow the cheers seemed even louder this week, with celebrations in a packed owners’ room even more raucous than the week before.
DOUBTERS FORCED TO CONCEDE
Before his Doomben victory, plenty of racing pundits had made a point of Larrikin Rogue going three long years without a win. Some had even labelled him a non-winner.
There had been excuses along the way — tough rides, bad barriers and the general bad luck that comes with his get-back racing pattern.
Now, even the doubters are jumping aboard.
Sky Racing’s Michael Maxworthy couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing on Saturday.
“This is a different horse; we better check the brands on this horse. He was actually first out of the gates today, but he hadn’t won for three years until last Saturday.
“He’s been able to back it up within seven days and score again. We have a different horse,” Maxworthy said on the Sky coverage.
MICHAEL RODD — A GENIUS
All credit to Michael Rodd, who has proven himself a master at getting the very best out of Larrikin Rogue — and that’s all you can ask of any jockey.
No one was more surprised than Michael when Larrikin flew the gates.
“This guy has just stepped up again. He doesn’t jump out of the gates, but he actually jumped well and travelled, so he’s just really enjoying himself and the stable is doing a great job preparing him.
“He just has that really good turn of foot, and he took off,” Michael said.
KUDOS TO CHRIS ANDERSON
A huge shout-out must also go to trainer Chris Anderson.
Larrikin arrived at Chris’s stable as a yearling six years ago, and while he’s always had plenty of time for the horse, there’s no doubt the quirky galloper has caused a few sleepless nights along the way.
“Another win, and a dominant win, and another 10 out of 10 ride by Michael Rodd.
“He has been a horse that has been so luckless.
“Great to see he is now getting the rub of the green because he deserves it.
“He is battered and bruised and does have a nasty black eye — you would almost think he’s been to a State of Origin,” Chris said.
NEXT UP
As the week unfolded, it became clear Larrikin Rogue was feeling the effects of his campaign.
He’s been up since May, so Chris has decided to send him to the paddock for a well-earned spell, giving him the chance to rest and recover after a long preparation.
Two wins in seven days, a three-year drought broken and plenty of celebrations for the QLD Rogues.
Congratulations again to all the owners — and a few extra carrots for Larrikin himself.