It is a long way from Alexandra Park last Friday to Winton eight days later.
But there is a key piece of information punters need to know before getting scared off by the great distances Rocker Band has covered in the week leading into the Southern Belle Speed Series at Winton tomorrow.
The Mark Jones-trained mare, who put in a top run for second behind Lusty Mac in the listed Northern Mares Classic, did not travel by road back to Woodend Beach.
Instead, she flew from Auckland to Christchurch last weekend, giving her plenty of time to rest between races before she travels by truck to Southland later today.
"She flew home, which is a huge help,'' regular driver Samantha Ottley said.
"It's probably easier on them than a float trip down the road.
"She's been back at the beach all week and she seems good.''
The trip south could be well worth it for the daughter of 2005 New Zealand Cup winner Mainland Banner.
While she is drawn awkwardly in the $20,000 Southern Belle Speed Series, she looks a cut above most of her opposition and has a best mile time of 1.53.3, set at the same track in December.
The preferential barrier draw system means she starts from barrier 8, but Ottley expects to drive the 4yr-old like the best horse in the race.
"You never like to make too many plans, but she is the class mare of the field,'' she said.
"She runs the mile hard and she's got good gate speed. We'll probably look to use that [gate speed] and possie up.''
After winning at Addington in mid-January, Rocker Band has been tough to catch for punters, finishing eighth, third and ninth before her good second at Alexandra Park.
"Everything worked out good last start. I was rapt with the way she went and the mare up there [Lusty Mac] is racing really good.''
Ottley has driven Rocker Band for her last seven starts, scoring three wins to date, and she appreciates the support from her employer, Mark Jones, and the mare's owner, Greg Brodie.
"I haven't heard any complaints out of them. They're great to drive for and it's a real privilege to drive something of that ability.''
The best of Ottley's other drives during the weekend is at Methven on Sunday, where she teams up with Kowhai Monarch in race 7.
"I've been rapt with the way he's racing and he was a little bit unlucky last start. It's a big old field and he's back to a stand, but if he does things right, he's honest.''
