Rock Sturdy vs. Lorna May

Published: 31 Jul 2014

A touch of pre-Spring carnival class lines up in Race 7 over 1350m, with both Rock Sturdy and Lorna May sure to progress to better races than the benchmark 80 event.

The entire and mare are both well performed, so what will make the difference in tomorrow's event?

Rock Sturdy

Trainer - Joseph Pride   Jockey - Hugh Bowman

Type

A leggy galloper with a lighter fore-quarter and good stride. He looks a nice middle-distance type with the scope to improve to a good level as he continues to strengthen. An ability to maintain his run puts him into most races he competes in. 

Form

Delivered a strong first-up run behind Cluster over the sprint trip of 1200m and his form last campaign included a Group 3 third and a second behind Singing Flame. Should of never missed a place (was very unlucky when 4th) and first-up run indicates improvement this preparation.

Lorna May

Trainer - Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes   Jockey - James McDonald

Type

A tall and elegant mare with presence in the yard, she is a classic looking filly. Has some power in her frame that can drive a strong sprint home and she may have a higher top speed than Rock Sturdy as a result.

Form

Put in a nice quiet trial ahead of this event when finishing fourth. Last campaign included strong fresh runs and a Group 3 sixth in the Keith Nolan Classic when just two lengths behind Zanbagh. Autumn form is arguably stronger than Rock Sturdy. 

The Verdict

Rock Sturdy will be very tough to beat and while he looks to have progressed this campaign Lorna May's ability to sprint home makes her a good gamble in the small field.