Racing: Rocket Navigator to launch in HB

Rocket Navigator races in Hastings today.

Rocket Navigator's future is likely to be decided by his performance at Hastings today.

The rising 3-year-old, who is raced by offshore interests, will travel south from his Te Aroha base for the Fruitfed Supplies Hcp off the back of improved showings in his last two appearances.

"He's owned in Singapore and they are tossing up whether he goes up there," trainer Peter Lock said yesterday.

"He's a bit on the small side, but he tries hard, and we may hold him back for the Wanganui Guineas yet.

"I'll probably know after Hastings."

Rocket Navigator turned in mediocre efforts in his first two starts and a gear change since his return from a break resulted in places last month at Avondale and TeAroha.

"He didn't show that much until we put the blinkers on him and he's been a different horse altogether," Lock said.

"It was a good run last time out after he missed the jump and then hit the front before he got nailed."

Rocket Navigator will jump from an outside barrier at Hastings, but Lock sees that as an advantage.

"It's better to be out there rather than stuck in behind and the wetter the better for him," he said. Rocket Navigator is one of the few runners with exposed raceday form while newcomers Lucky Edie and Shot In The Dark are trial winners. NZ Racing Desk.