The Makarewa trainer has looked after the rising 8yr-old daughter of Pacific Rocket for almost seven years, from his time in Canterbury to his move to Southland 12 months ago, but the partnership could reach its peak at Forbury Park tonight in the $10,000 Southern Golden Girls 1-3 win final.
Walkinshaw has tweaked the mare's work in recent weeks, but even he is perplexed by her form reversal, crossing the line first in her past three starts in dominant fashion.
A relegation from first to ninth two starts ago at Forbury Park is the only blot on her copybook, but she was a class above her rivals on that night as well on the track before Walkinshaw lost the race in the inquiry room due to an incident at the top of the straight.
''It's hard to pinpoint what's helped her,'' Walkinshaw said.
''I've backed off her work a bit and changed it around a bit and she seems to have enjoyed it a bit more.''
Walkinshaw has restricted her work to a couple of ''not really quick'' 2400m runs around Hamish Hunter's property in between races, although he wonders whether the change of training scenery has worked as well.
''Since she's been there, she just seems to be thriving, so whether that's been a thing for her, she's just very happy at the moment.
Walkinshaw is a fan of the Golden Girls concept which gives mares over the age of 4 something to aim at during winter.
''It's been super. I had Liza With A Z last year, and we had a couple of seconds - Citylight was too good for us all last year.
''I suppose it's's easy for me to say because I've got Roxy going OK, but [the series] is definitely a good thing.''
The preferential-barrier-draw conditions mean Roxy Rocket is on the outside of the mobile arm, with major rival Arma Courage immediately inside her.
''She's drawn out wide, but the way she's been racing, she's a definite chance.
Walkinshaw also hops behind Just A Jak Up (race 6) after steering the Washington VC gelding to an overdue maiden win at Forbury Park on Saturday.
''He's got enough ability there, and I knew there was definitely one [win] there.
''He follows the speed pretty well, but his manners let him down sometimes. We did a couple of gear changes last week and he seemed a happier horse the other day.''
The former Cantabrian, who drove Whatsundermykilt to Dominion Handicap success in 2006, is prepared to sit back and look for a soft run into the race with Just A Jak Up, who starts off the unruly.
''You can't hustle and bustle him early, so you just have to sit there.
''His best run is to just wait for the drag up and hop up on someone's back.
Elbeau (race 8) will notice a class rise after stepping out of maiden grade at Oamaru on June 16, Walkinshaw added.
