Rogues Point has been set a task in Broome this week, but trainer Anthony Barton is confident the eight-year-old has the versatility to handle the test.
Rogues Point will line-up in Tuesday’s Broome Sprint (1300m) and if all goes to plan, he backs up again four days later to contest the $100,000 Broome Cup (2300m).
Rogues Point is back in Broome, his favourite hunting ground where he thrived last year after winning four consecutive races from six starts.
Rogues Point’s winning haul came in distances ranging from 1200m to 1600m before his campaign ended with a fifth to Elafella in the Broome Cup.
Rogues Point has had two runs in Broome this time in, winning over 1800m before running sixth last start in the Kimberley Cup (2020m).
Anthony Barton admits he’s taking a unique approach in chasing a Broome double but believes Rogues Point is the right type of horse to achieve it.
“I wanted to do it last year to be honest,” Barton said on Tabradio.
“His best runs have been over 1400m sprint distances for us, but he just thrives up here (Broome).
“It was always planned to go to the sprint this year and the cup, he’s just competitive in both distances.
“He just grows a leg on the dirt and is a happy horse.
“He’s as good as gold as is ready to go.
“He should run a cheeky race tomorrow (Tuesday).
“I can’t not tip him; he’s been an honest horse for me.
“He just tries his heart out.”
The Broome Sprint has assembled 13 acceptors with Rogues Point drawing barrier one. Simone Altieri has the ride.
Carrying 60kg, the son of Mawingo is currently $7.50 with Tabtouch.
With stable mate Butterlea Lad, Rogues Point will likely give Barton a dual-pronged attack in Saturday’s Broome Cup.
The veteran nine-year-old takes mixed form into the race, but Barton thinks with low weight he could spring a surprise.
“I was really happy with his first up run here in the Cable Beach Caravan Cup (1800m), Barton said.
“He was probably the run of the race and then in the Kimberley (Cup) I was disappointed in his run.
“He got back a little bit too far, but with 55kg in the cup he should be a sneaky one to watch.”