Unbeaten Youngster Ready To Ignite In Spark

POPULAR owner Doug Helton is hoping unbeaten youngster Rocklea Earle can give him some cheer when he contests a heat of The Spark (520m) at Albion Park on Thursday night.

Rocklea Earle (Barcia Bale-Paint Face) has not started since scoring a devastating win in the Listed Dave Brett Memorial Maiden (520m) at Albion Park on October 5.

FIELDS AND FORM ALBION PARK THURSDAY NIGHT

The Zammit kennel gave Rocklea Earle a break after that win because he pulled up with a slight bout of shin soreness.

Helton has his own injury worries.

On Monday, he heads to hospital for a much needed knee replacement, the legacy of a long and successful football career as a young man.

“It would be nice if he could win again,” said Helton. “I will be in hospital for a few days, but hopefully out to get to Albion Park if he makes the final of The Spark.”

Rocklea Earle is unbeaten in four race starts and the Zammits have high hopes for him in upcoming age restricted races.

“He could be a Derby dog early in the New Year if he can get under 30 seconds at Albion Park,” said Mick Zammit.

Mick is in Victoria campaigning through the Group 1 Melbourne Cup carnival with Jay Is Jay and exciting young staying bitch Icy Eyes who will run in the heats of the Group 1 Bold Trease also on Saturday night at Sandown.

Zammit reported Jay Is Jay trialled at Sandown Park in preparation for the Melbourne Cup heats and went 29.22 at his first look at the track.

“Very happy, very happy indeed,” he said.

“The dog got off on one of the turns and his first section was not great, but I would expect him to improve on that first look at the track.”

Jay Is Jay goes into the Melbourne Cup heats off a win in the Million Dollar Chase and a second in the Group 1 Topgun.