Former Tasmanian Rocky Times is one of three horses chasing a second victory in a heat of the Winter Championship series at Flemington on Saturday.The four-year-old is among the top qualifiers for next month's 1600-metre final after scoring a narrow win in a 1400m heat at Bendigo on June 2.Cranbourne heat winner Tough Future, who was third at Bendigo, and Jungle Ruler, who won at Flemington last start, are the other heat winners lining up in Saturday's 1420-metre event which is the sixth of the

Former Tasmanian Rocky Times is one of three horses chasing a second victory in a heat of the Winter Championship series at Flemington on Saturday.

The four-year-old is among the top qualifiers for next month's 1600-metre final after scoring a narrow win in a 1400m heat at Bendigo on June 2.

Cranbourne heat winner Tough Future, who was third at Bendigo, and Jungle Ruler, who won at Flemington last start, are the other heat winners lining up in Saturday's 1420-metre event which is the sixth of the seven-heat series.

All three horses are in contention for a $50,000 bonus which is awarded to connections if their horse tops the leader board in the series and wins the 1600-metre final.

Tough Future is the current leader on 17 points ahead of Jungle Ruler (11) and Rocky Times (10).

Geelong trainer Jason Clifford flagged more patient riding tactics for Rocky Times after he raced against his backmarker style at Bendigo.

"I don't reckon he will be as close as he was the other day," Clifford said.

"He was ridden a little bit upside down by going forward like that (fifth in running) although he still got up and won."

Clifford said the likelihood of a good speed on Saturday should ensure Rocky Times gets conditions to suit.

"I think it will set it up so he can run home nicely," he said.

He said Rocky Times, who has won six of 15 starts, continues to train on well and that he will be better suited when he attempts 1600 metres for the first time in the final.

"I think a mile is going to be his pet distance," Clifford said.

Mornington trainer Mark Riley will try to win his second Winter Championship Final with Tough Future having won the Listed 1600m event with Gold Salute in 2009.

The Tough Speed five-year-old was originally prepared in Tasmanian by Ray Worbey but owner Brian Rix sent him over to Riley who has won three races from eight starts with him including a 1200m race at Moonee Valley and aCranbourne Winter Championship heat over 1300m.

Tough Future has won seven of his 15 starts but hasn't raced beyond 1400m.

"I don't think the horse will have any trouble running a mile," Riley said.

"When I first got the horse I said to the owners I thought he was a typical type who could win a Winter Plate (Championship)."

The $200,000 Winter Championship Final is at Flemington on July 9.