3 minute read

Gary Vile is happy with his hand for Saturday's Gr.3 Hotel Coachman Manawatu Cup (2200m) at Awapuni.

The Palmerston North trainer will saddle 2016 Cup winner Jacksstar and last year's Listed New Zealand St Leger (2500m) winner Rock On for the feature and expects both to make their presence felt.

"I'd think both will be very competitive, especially with a bit of rain around. A rain-affected track won't hurt either of them," Vile said.

Jacksstar is building up well in his summer campaign, having spent 17 months on the sideline after suffering a serious tendon and ligament injury when running third in last year's Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m).

He had gone down a nose in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) prior and both of those races figure on Vile's target list this preparation.

"It was a really good run here last time. Every run, he's got better but that last run had a lot of merit," Vile said.

"The short course is no help for him and the step up to 2200m suits him better. He's coming back really well, though he still might need another one before he shows his best. His ultimate aims are the Wellington and Auckland Cups.

"Cameron Lammas is back on him this weekend and he knows him well. He should go a good race."

TAB bookmakers have Jacksstar at $17 to win the Manawatu Cup, with Rock On at $33 in a market headed by Glory Days at $2.80.

"Rock On is coming to hand just as well. He's in fantastic condition but he just needs a big course like Trentham now. But I do expect him to go well on Saturday too."