John McArdle admits El Rocko chances at Caulfield depend on attitude, not track
The form gives a numerical idea of a horse's possibilities in a race but it's useless once the gates open.
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El Rocko has good statistics on both slow and heavy ground but trainer John McArdle said the moments after the gelding starts a race are the most vital to chances rather than the track condition.
'It is a bit of a fallacy that he needs it really heavy (to win),' McArdle said.
'As long as he can get his toe into it, he's fine.
'It's more his attitude.
'If he jumps and puts himself into the race, we're on but if he jumps and ends up worse than midfield, he turns off and has the day off.
'We never know if that's going to be, which way he's going to go.'
• Brad Waters' Caulfield Saturday tips, race-by-race analysis
The son of Fastnet Rock's quirks haven't prevented him becoming a great money spinner for connections with his seven wins and 12 minor placings earning more than $560,000 in prizemoney.
El Rocko showed his talent with his win in Benchmark 100 grade at Caulfield on July 26 and will tackle a similar race over 1600m on Saturday.
El Rocko will decide whether to do his best early in the final race at Caulfield on Saturday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images
Showers are forecast for Friday and Saturday but McArdle said they would have no effect on El Rocko's attitude.
'A heavy track is a help, because it slows the others down, but it's not a prerequisite but it's more him trying that is a prerequisite,' McArdle said.
El Rocko is an $18 chance to win the last race of Saturday's Caulfield meeting while his stablemate Eye Of The Eagle is a $16 chance in betting on the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1400m).
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Eye Of The Eagle is yet to place in four runs this time in but McArdle noted the son of Alpine Eagle has had no luck despite favourable draws at his last two runs.
'He's probably going better than he ever has in his career but he's just had zero luck,' McArdle said.
'It hasn't worked out all according to plan at his last couple of runs but hopefully he can get a better run this time.
'He was wide the whole way and I don't reckon he got any closer than four off the fence last start but still had the cheek to be in front with 70m to go.
'A softer run would certainly help him.'
Zac Spain will ride Eye Of The Eagle while Jett Stanley will be aboard El Rocko.
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