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Success in Saturday’s Listed Gallagher Marton Cup (2100m) with Leading Role would provide a welcome boost for Gary Vile.

The Awapuni trainer was rocked this week when his well-performed stayer Rock On broke down.

“I’m shattered, he was galloping on Wednesday and did a tendon so he’s out for six months,” Vile said. “It’s a hard, hard game.”

Rock On won the Listed New Zealand St Leger (2500m) last season to earn a trip to Australia where he ran third in the Gr.2 Chairman’s Handicap (2800m) at Randwick and fourth in a 2500m handicap at Flemington.

The Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) had been the aim for the five-year-old, who won two starts back before finishing fourth in the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m).

Leading Role has a chance to lift stable spirits on Saturday and Vile is planning a change of tactics.

“A bit of rain would help his chances and he will be ridden a lot more aggressively,” Vile said.

“He got too far back in the Manawatu Cup and he had no show from back there.”

Placed in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) last season, the four-year-old was an unlucky second two starts back at Awapuni. He was held up for a run and only got clear in the closing 100m.

Stablemate Slimline is also rated a strong chance in the Central ITM Premier (1400m) following her bold effort for third in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m).

“She can go a cheeky race,” Vile said. “Weight-for-age didn’t suit her last time and she drops four kilos, 53kg is a great weight for her.”