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The pressure will be on Juggernaut Rock to return a dividend at Riccarton on Saturday.

The six-year-old needs to figure prominently in the Listed Gold Club Metropolitan Trophy to earn a second start in the Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup seven days later.

“He’s got to run in the first three to confirm a run in the cup,” trainer Jason Price said.

“I’d love to get a start – I think he would be thereabouts. It was a good run last year and he’s a lot better now.”

A respectable seventh behind Spring Cheer 12 months ago, Juggernaut Rock is a son of the Golden Slipper winner Stratum and was originally purchased at Karaka for $40,000 with a quick return in mind.

“He’s bred to go early, but he stays all day,” Price said. “He’s a big boy and his form at 2400 metres plus is pretty good.”

Juggernaut Rock needed 2100 metres to win his maiden and subsequently ran second over 2500 metres in the Listed New Zealand St Leger.

He was a winner and placed over 2400 metres last season and the latest of his three outings this preparation resulted in a fourth placing over 2000 metres behind subsequent stakes winner Wolfwhistle at Hastings.

“I’m really happy with him this time in and his work has been really good,” Price said.

“It’s been four weeks between runs and even if he was in the cup field he would have had to start on Saturday to get another run under his belt for the 3200 metres.”

Juggernaut Rock, who will be ridden by Craig Grylls, has been in Christchurch since last weekend after a trouble-free trip.

“He’s an easy-going horse and he’s settled in really well,” Price said.