Racing: Rising star Rokocoko shade below full fitness

If they give away a prize for the busiest trainer this weekend, John Wheeler gets it in a shoo-in.

The New Plymouth horseman has 13 horses spread between Te Aroha and Hastings tomorrow.

One of his rising stable stars, Rokocoko looks the best of them on paper in Race 7 at Te Aroha, but Wheeler warns punters to be careful.

Rokocoko has impressively won his last three races, but Wheeler says he is coming back from a break and could be vulnerable.

"He's on his way to Brisbane, so I haven't really fired him up. He's a good horse though and the race suits him so he'll be competitive. He's just not really fit."

Wheeler has Master Blaster in the same race.

"He's smart, perhaps even as smart as the other horse. He's had a bone chip removed from a knee since last racing and he's come back up terrifically well.

"There is a little question mark that the 1200m could be a shade short for him, but don't dismiss him."

His assessment of his other runners at Te Aroha:

Command Performance (R1): "Some hope."

Waltermitty (R5): "Should just go around. The race doesn't really suit him, but it looks as though the field is going to drop away.That might help him. My other horse Porotene Express should be a better chance. She disappointed last start, but the track was off and she didn't really handle it. If she doesn't improve this time she'll be spelled."

Medit King (R9): "Should just about win." Ricardo (R9): "He goes okay, but he gets a bit wayward late in the piece, a bit like his owner."

Stark Raving Mad (R10): "He's essentially a jumper, but he still goes okay on the flat and he's some hope, despite the No 14 barrier draw."

Wheeler has Frankoo Verymuch and Midnite Opal in the hurdle race at Hastings and sees them as some chance to win in a strong line-up. "I know there are only seven runners, but there are two or three that go very well in it. It should be a good race."

Wheeler has always had a lot of time for Governor Bois, who comes back from a short break in Race 2.

"He's had no luck. He took ground off Wahid when he ran second to him in his debut run and he had no favours in running in the Classique at Te Rapa before been given a break. He's a nice horse."

He rates his other two runners, Pentathon in Race 4 and Uluru in the Hawkes Bay Cup as upset chances.

"Uluru is a hope at odds. The jar will be out of the track, which will suit her and her work lately has been excellent."