Exciting Pup A ‘Rocket' By Name And Nature

TRAINER Peter Lagogiane has declared the skies the limit for hugely exciting pup Rocket Riot following his devastating Gosford victory on Tuesday night.

The superbly bred son of Barcia Bale and Princess Riot extended his career record to five wins from six starts with a mind-blowing 21.84 victory over the 388 metres, one of the fastest times ever recorded at the journey.

"The first ever trial I gave him at Richmond (over the 320m) he went 18.10," Lagogiane said.

"When a young inexperienced pup does that you know you've got something and for now he's going on with it.

"Last night he broke 12 seconds for the run home (11.90) as well so he's giving me every indication he'll get 500 as well. After the run he wouldn't have blown a candle out and he's come through the run great as well.

But for now I'll just bring him along slowly. He's only 22 months old."

Tuesday night's 9 ¼ length romp followed Rocket Riot's 17.48 win up the Richmond straight on Saturday where only straight track star Shall Not (17.28) ran quicker time on the program.

Rocket Riot made it 3 from 4 yesterday at @richmond_greys, going very close to the 320m record, clocking 17.93s in his 8 1/4 length victory! ?

Full Results: https://t.co/i68nQhDp8X #thedogs #greyhoundracing #greyhounds pic.twitter.com/cn97PmfpQw

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) April 13, 2023

Throw in a recent near record 17.93 romp at Richmond and the firepower of the talented juvenile has been there for all to see.

But while Rocket Riot's rapid rise through the ranks is creating plenty of hype, it was a vastly different story following the talented youngster's narrow Bulli win back on February 28.

After beginning poorly, Rocket Riot put up a herculean performance to gun down the leader for a narrow victory, but not before being handed a ticket by stewards for marring near the line.

"I wish I could answer what happened that day – he'd never shown a sign of anything like that before and now after either," Lagogiane added.

"I was never going to give up on him with the ability he'd shown and since that day he's done everything right."

Rocket Riot is owned by Lagogiane's good friend Jimmy Vescos, the pair racing dam Princess Riot to 11 race wins, five of those at Wentworth Park.

Princess Riot, a daughter of Fernando Bale and Ready To Riot, is about as well bred as they come, related to Million Dollar Chase winner Mystic Riot, Melbourne Cup hero Whiskey Riot as well as Australian Cup victor Fernando's Riot just to name a few.

"It's great for Jimmy to get a nice dog – especially from a litter he bred," Lagogiane said.

"Rocket Riot's brother Royal Riot won up the straight on debut on Saturday and he is meant to be the better of the two. There's a lot of improvement left in him yet too."

FASTEST TIMES GOSFORD 388M

 

Time	Name
21.74	Casual Glance
21.75	Vamoose
21.76	Yeager Bullet
21.77	Laurie's Flyer
21.80	Laurie's Flyer
21.82	Blazing Snap
21.82	Lightnin' Ethics
21.83	Bones Mccoy
21.83	Yeager Bullet
21.83	Zulu Warlord
21.84	Rocket Riot
21.85	Vamoose
21.85	Rockin' Georgia
21.85	Pay Call
21.87	Vamoose
21.89	Chevy Royale
21.89	My Hepburn
21.89	Chevy Royale
21.90	My Hepburn
21.90	Mr. Doo