In what can only be described as a stunning renewal of the Guineas, El Roca came up with barrier 14 when the field was finalised, but that hasn’t deterred punters, reports Racing Network.
He went up $4.00 yesterday when first fixed-odds markets were released, yet in the past 24 hours he’s firmed into $3.80, despite that poor draw and being beaten last Saturday.
Co-trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are backing-up El Roca after his brave and narrow defeat by Joe Pride’s progressive Terravista in last Saturday’s Group 3 $150,000 Liverpool City Cup (1300m), at Warwick Farm.
Punters are a forgiving lot, although the prospect of a firmer track this week at Royal Randwick and the horse being a run fitter, suggest he’ll take a power of stopping.
Fellow Kiwi and second favourite in the race, Atlante, has also been solidly supported, firming from $8 into now being a clear-cut second-elect at $6.50 for Murray Baker, the man who trains It’s A Dundeel.