From the Callers Box – February 2026

We’re in the middle of summer. And the action on the track is fast and furious. You wouldn’t expect anything less. And there’s several horses racing along the east coast of Australia in brilliant form, probably, none more so than former Kiwi pacer Rakero Rocket. Right now, he’s the horse on everyone’s lips, he’s been seriously discussed for all upcoming majors and has quickly become the “boom” pacer in the country.

Some may ask, why is that name familiar? Well, this is the horse that was overlooked for a start in the Grand Circuit event at Albion Park back on December 6, the Gr.1 $250,000 Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship.

Rakero Rocket was named as the emergency and dumped into the consolation. Naturally, connections didn’t bother heading north.

So, how and why did this happen? His record in his native country was very solid, boasting nine (9) wins from 29 starts with earnings above $300,000.

Ten (10) of his last twelve starts on New Zealand soil were contested at Group level, four at Gr.1 including his final start when competing in the Gr.1 New Zealand Cup against Kingman and Leap To Fame before connections sent him across the ditch. Four starts prior, he won the Gr.3 Methven Cup while twelve months ago he won the inaugural Gr.1 Christian Cullen 4yo feature at Addington beating the likes of Charlie Brown, Merlin and Don’t Stop Dreaming among others. Since starting at Menangle, Rakero Rocket has won two of his three starts. He was beaten first-up in the Ultra Air Cup behind reigning Miracle Mile champion Don Hugo (reigning BAF champion too) in 1:48.8 before recording back-to-back scorching mile victories. Rakero Rocket became the second fastest pacer of all time on Australasian soil when winning in 1:47.3 (only My Field Marshal 1:46.9 has gone quicker) before scoring again in 1:49.5.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but how on earth did this pacer not gain a start in the Queensland feature? Imagine if we had Rakero Rocket in the mix of the BAF and competing against Don Hugo, Leap To Fame and The Janitor who provided an epic contest. Fans And punters alike can feel somewhat cheated given the current form surge of Rakero Rocket.

The Albion Park Harness Racing Club are vigorously trying to lure as many New Zealand and interstate horses as possible for carnivals, the club even have an appointed ambassador (Mr Greg O’Connor), the omission of Rakero Rocket is completely nonsensical and damaging. And quickly follows on from the omission of brilliant filly/mare Captains Mistress (2 Gr.1’s & 2 Gr.2 victories) from the Gr.1 Rising Sun back in July during the Constellations.

Is there a pattern developing here? Let’s hope not, the industry needs as many stars as possible and when they’re competing against each other it only bodes well for the future.

Here’s hoping the likes of boom pacers Marketplace and Got The Chocolates aren’t deterred for the winter Constellations carnival coming up.

Until next time.