Get ready for a thrilling showdown at Caulfield this Saturday, as Watch Me Rock steps into the spotlight, aiming to shake up the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and challenge Melbourne’s elite weight-for-age contenders. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just another race for owner Santo Guagliardo—it’s a test of resilience and potential stardom. Despite a rocky road to the starting gate, including a trainer change following a controversial Ritalin swab, Guagliardo is confident his gelding is ready to rise to the occasion.
The journey hasn’t been smooth. Originally trained by Grant and Alana Williams, Watch Me Rock was abruptly moved to Donna Riordan in Western Australia and then to Mark Walker at Cranbourne. Yet, Guagliardo insists the five-year-old hasn’t missed a stride. “He’s more than capable,” Guagliardo told Racing.com. “If he wins on Saturday, he’s not just a contender—he’s a superstar.” And this is the part most people miss: Watch Me Rock isn’t just any horse; he’s last year’s G1 Railway Stakes winner, and he’s settled into Melbourne life seamlessly.
But here’s the controversy: While Treasurethe Moment, the spring’s Memsie heroine and a multiple Group 1 winner, is the clear favorite, Guagliardo believes race dynamics could play into his horse’s favor. “If the pace isn’t fast enough, it might not suit her,” he said. Bold statement? Absolutely. But it’s a calculated one, as he eyes how Watch Me Rock stacks up against the eastern states’ best.
While a Futurity win would be a triumph, the ultimate goal is crystal clear: the $2 million G1 All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 7. “This isn’t his grand final,” Guagliardo explained. “If he places in the top three, I’ll be thrilled. But if he wins, he’ll be a force to reckon with in the All-Star Mile.”
Guagliardo is no stranger to top-tier horses, having raced champions like Rommel, Bustling, Conservatorium, and Ellicazoom. Yet, he boldly claims Watch Me Rock might be his best yet. “He’s top-class, potentially the finest I’ve ever owned,” he said. “The competition he’s facing is tougher than anything Rommel ever saw.”
A son of Awesome Rock, Watch Me Rock has already won 11 races and earned over $1.86 million since being purchased at the 2022 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale. With William Pike in the saddle and an inside draw, expectations are high.
And here’s another twist: Guagliardo’s day at Caulfield doesn’t end with Watch Me Rock. Earlier, his two-year-old colt Alibaba, trained by Ken and Kasey Keys, will line up in the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes. Despite a wide barrier draw and a luckless run in Sydney, Guagliardo remains optimistic. “He’s a very exciting sprinter with a real chance,” he said. Craig Newitt will take the reins from gate 17.
So, will Watch Me Rock live up to the hype? Can Alibaba overcome the odds? And is Guagliardo’s bold claim about his gelding’s potential justified? These are the questions that make Saturday’s races unmissable. What’s your take? Do you think Watch Me Rock has what it takes to be a superstar, or is Treasurethe Moment simply too strong? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
