Lindsay Park co-trainer Tom Dabernig is confident that He’s Our Rokkii will be hard to beat in the Group 2 $250,000 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on Saturday.

He's Our Rokkii, above, is the one to beat in the Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes at The Valley. Photo by Steve Hart.

He’s Our Rokkii, above, is the one to beat in the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes at The Valley. Photo by Steve Hart.

He’s Our Rokkii has held his spot at the top of the market order for the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes at $3.40 with Ladbrokes.com.au and according to Dabernig, the Group 1 winning five year old has progressed nicely since his first up fourth to Hartnell in the Group 2 $200,000 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 19.

“Looks a really nice race for him,” Dabernig said.

“I thought he was terrific first up and he has looked to have come on from that. It would be a great race to win and he is definitely going like he will be hard to beat.”

The Lindsay Park Team of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig had He’s Our Rokkii in fine form twelve months and the stable can see him hitting his straps again this weekend.

He’s Our Rokkii started a five race winning streak with two wins during the 2016 Autumn Carnival and then continued that with a hat trick of wins in the Spring, culminating with a victory in the Group 1 $500,000 IG Markets Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.

Dwayne Dunn was aboard in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes and takes the ride again on He’s Our Rokkii who should get the run of the race from the inside gate in the eleven horse field for the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes.

“He ran terrific first-up 1400m, and now I’m looking forward to Saturday’s event,” Dunn said.

“He ran terrific last start, he got really close to Black Heart Bart.”

“He couldn’t have got within 3-4 lengths of him last year, so he’s taken nice steps forward.

“It’s an important race, a qualifying event for a Cox Plate.

“He looks a lot better this time. He was a bit flat last preparation.

“His condition looks fantastic.”

The Linsday Park Team will also saddle up $34 chance Jacquinot Bay in the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes and Dabernig is hoping for some rain to enhance the ten year old’s chances.

The Moonee Valley track is currently rated a Good 4 on Friday afternoon and Dabernig is hoping the forecast showers arrive before start time.

“If a little bit of rain came, as is forecast, Jacquinot will like that,” Dabernig said.

“He has drawn to stride forward.”

“There doesn’t look to be a lot of speed in this. Very fit and I am sure he will be in it for a long way.”

Jacquinot Bay has drawn out at barrier nine with Regan Bayliss taking the mount.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.