Missrock Primed for Robert Sangster Stakes

Trainer Robbie Laing believes that talented filly Missrock is an outstanding sprinter and is confident that she will lay a typically great account for herself when she takes her position in Saturday’s Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes field at Morphettville.

Missrock is set to take her place in Saturday's Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes field at Morphettville. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Missrock is set to take her place in Saturday’s Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes field at Morphettville. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Having initially believed that the daughter of Fastnet Rock would find her best form at a mile, Laing has been impressed by the performances mustered and results posted by Missrock this time in, particularly her last-start second behind Secret Agenda in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) during The Championships.

The Cranbourne horseman told AAP that he left Missrock in the warmer Sydney climate following her run in the Sapphire Stakes and he is confident that she will carry plenty of benefit into the 2017 Robert Sangster Stakes; a race which will carry a $1 million prize pool for the first time.

“We left her up there for a week or so after her last run as it was warm up there and she did a treat,” Laing said.

“She’s been back home just over a week now and had a gallop last week and another gallop on Saturday morning.

“It’s going to be a hot race with a million dollars up for grabs and any filly or mare that has won a race seems to be heading over there.

“I know one thing, my filly is in great order.”

Missrock stamped herself as a filly to follow through her debut preparation in late 2015; winning the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) and finishing third in the Group 3 Emirates Airline Plate (1000m) most notably.

Resuming in late autumn of 2016 for a smart win in the Group 3 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) during The Championships, Missrock returned in spring for consecutive sixth-place finishes in the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) and Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m), before finishing seventh in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m).

Ending her year third in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) and fifth in the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m), the filly out of Miss Judgement resumed this year for a smart win in the Mrs Mac’s Family Bakery Sprint (1000m); running ninth in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) in what was her only other start prior to the Sapphire Stakes.

The 2017 Robert Sangster Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.