Rocky Road is appropriately named judging by the troubles he had given his connections prior to qualifying at Forbury Park yesterday.
The 3yr-old Bettor's Delight gelding pushed through the chilly breeze at the St Kilda track yesterday to pace a tidy 2.51.4 for the 2200m, nine lengths ahead of only rival Heavenly Creature.
His Ryal Bush trainer-driver, Nathan Williamson, has plenty of hair on his head, and has not had to resort to pulling it out just yet.
''We've had a few issues but we're getting there now,'' he said.
''He's a big goof and he runs around the paddock. He pulled a shoe off and put a nail through his foot at one stage, and then he jumped around and got on his quarter and got an infection up his leg.
''It's just been a long process to get to where he is. He's there now and qualified so that is good.''
Owner Neville Cleaver paid $6500 for the half-brother to Who Else (one New Zealand win, three Australian wins) at the 2011 yearling sales in Christchurch, before Rocky Road was sent to Macca Lodge for a preparation as a yearling.
His first work-out was more than a year ago in March 2012, and he had won seven of his nine work-outs before qualifying yesterday, as his injury concerns often got in the way on the eve of his planned trials.
Having taken so long to qualify, Rocky Road will now be aimed at a race start, rather than being turned out for a spell.
''We'll probably line him up somewhere and see what happens,'' Williamson said.
''He did it with a little bit in hand, so that was good. He looks around out there and clowns around a wee bit, but once he knuckles down, he's quite good.
''He's quite a nice moving horse.
''He just needs to fill out a bit.''
Och Aye The Noo and Bone Of Contention were 6sec adrift of the qualifying time in the 2200m qualifying trot after they each made a mistake shortly after the start, but both 3yr-olds should be useful trotters given time.
Arma Courage warmed up for the Golden Girls final on Friday night with a win in 2.50.5 in the free-for-all mobile pace against Missy Mach and Wattie's Sweetheart.
Arma Courage led throughout the 2200m and held off the late surge from Missy Mach who was much improved from her tough run at Forbury Park on June 13.
Trotter Face Value finished best in the other heat against stablemate Southland Reflector. The pair trotted the 2000m in 3min flat.
Timekeeper Lance Joyce was presented with a life member's badge following the trials meeting, as the Otago branch of the New Zealand Trotting Owners Association recognised his 28 years' service.
