Bid for elusive hat-trick dealt a cruel blow

HANDY pacer Will I Rocknroll’s bid for an elusive hat-trick have been dealt a cruel blow.

Winner of his last two starts, the Robbie O’Connell-trained son of Rock N Roll Heaven is set to compete at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday night.

This will be the fourth time Will I Rocknroll attempts to register three consecutive wins.

“He just can’t seem to get three in a row,” O’Connell said. “We will give it our best shot again.”

To O’Connell’s dismay Will I Rocknroll has drawn the outside of the front row over 2240 metres.

Comeback reinsman Zac Phillips will reunite with the gelding.

Phillips’ previous drive behind Will I Rocknroll netted a win in Melton last July.

“It is a bit of a tough draw but he has been working well and I expect a forward showing,” O’Connell said.

“A lot depends on where he lobs in the run but he should be running on.

“Zac had a good break to freshen up and is enjoying being back in the fold.”

Although drawn the outside of the second row, Sahara Tiger is the one to beat according to O’Connell.

Boasting three wins and a third from five starts this term, Sahara Tiger will be first-up since April for co-trainers Debbie and Gary Quinlan.

“Jack (Laugher) has driven Will I Rocknroll to his last two wins, but has jumped on Sahara Tiger,” O’Connell said. “That and his form tell me he is the one to beat.”