Rocky trainers shoot for Doomben double.

Trainers Jared Wehlow and Ricky Vale have top chances to snare a double victory for Rockhampton gallopers at Doomben on Saturday.

Wehlow has Pepperdine, and the five-year-old who looks a great chance to break through at his third start in the southeast.

The trainer has engaged 2kg apprentice Emily Lang to ride the son of Pierro in the State Of Rest 2021 BM 70 Handicap (2000m) and the talented black galloper will run from barrier six. Pepperdine had impressive Rockhampton winning form before traveling south where he finished fourth at the Gold Coast over 1800m in a race won by the promising, Yet He Moves, and last start he ran disappointingly at Toowoomba on a heavy track over 1625m. Being from a Darci Brahms mare, Our Miss Jones, Pepperdine should handle the extra distance at Doomben. “That’s the unknown, can he run the 2000m, if he can, he will be right in the finish,” Wehlow said.

The trainer plans to cut back his horse numbers over the next week or so and will fully vacate his Callaghan Park barn by the end of November.

But will it be forever? “For now, yes, but I won’t say never, see what happens,” he said.

Ricky Vale will start the talented Ribchester four-year-old mare, Pipistrelle engaged in the Anamoe Class 6 Handicap (1600m). Pipistrelle has been impressive winning twice in Mackay and at Cairns for Vale. At her previous run in Brisbane, Pipistrelle ran second to My Pins at Eagle Farm over 1400m. Georgina Cartwright takes the ride at Doomben from barrier 10.

RJC CEO, David Aldred.

Photo Credit: Cairns Jockey Club