Albany trainer Roy Rogers aiming for Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes success with Luke’s Gold

Albany trainer Roy Rogers believes Luke’s Gold is racing in career best form ahead of this Saturday’s assignment in the Group 3 $150,000 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) at Ascot.

The nine-year-old will step up to his first group race in his 66 start career after producing two superb runs back from a break.

However, Rogers thinks Luke’s Gold will measure up against some of the State’s most promising gallopers.

“I believe the horse is racing in his best form,” he said.

“I think the weekend’s run was one of his best runs without winning.

“I don’t really think it’s a step up in grade.

“He was only just beaten by Kissonallforcheeks first-up and then ran a very good second in the Northam Cup on Sunday, so I think he will measure up well.

“I’m not bullish on his chances but I think he will put a very good showing forward.”

Kissonallforcheeks is a $7 second favourite with TABtouch for the Group 1 Railway Stakes next month and at $3 for this Saturday’s assignment.

Luke’s Gold has thrived in Rogers’ stable with five victories and nine minor placings since the start of 2020.

The horse has won three times off a seven day back-up, the same turnaround going into this week’s feature.

Shaun O’Donnell will again partner Luke’s Gold, who is currently a $14 chance on TABtouch, from barrier one with the minimum 54kg.

“He is absolutely thriving in this environment down here,” Rogers said.

“I think he is definitely capable of winning.

“He thrives off the seven day back-up.”

Rogers is bullish on progressive type Big Bada Boom who is looking to make it successive metro wins.

A winner at six of his 10 career starts, the five-year-old will again be ridden by Brad Rawiller from barrier four in a 66+ ratings race.

“I think he can do it again,” Rogers said.

“He has a good gate and a good jockey but it is up in class a little.”

Great Southern horse of the year Kazkazi will also resume from a spell for Rogers in a graduation handicap on Saturday.

Albany trainer Steve Wolfe will have a number of runners engaged at the same meeting, including Eurasia and recent trial winner Knot Secret.

Meanwhile there will be a strong Great Southern flavour at the nine-race program in Narrogin on Sunday in a meeting transferred from Mt Barker last week.

Local trainers Wolfe, Samantha Faithfull, Alan Smith, Alan McNamara Jr, Peter Western, Paul Hunter, Rogers, Leanne Howlett and Stephen Sheehy will all take horses to the provincial meeting.