Lonrockstar's stakes push starts at Moonee Valley Saturday

Lonrockstar will step out in the Open Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley for the first of two runs before the gelding tackles his main summer goal, the Group III Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year's Day.

"He's been set for the Standish,” Sadler said. "He'll run at the Valley on Saturday then Flemington on the 19^th (of December) and then into the Standish.”

Sadler decided on the Standish Handicap because of Lonrockstar's liking for the 'Straight Six' course at Flemington over which the six-year-old won in June before finishing third at Listed level in the All Victorian Sprint Series Final (1200m) in July.

Lonrockstar ran fifth, beaten 3.8 lengths, in the Group III Aurie's Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington at his last appearance on August 8.

The son of Lonhro finished second in a quiet jumpout at Caulfield on November 10 to boost his fitness for his first-up task but Lonrockstar has won twice and placed three times in five first-up runs.

The Caulfield-based Sadler said Lonrockstar has worked well leading up to his first-up run but needs one crucial factor to be a winning chance at Moonee Valley.

"The quicker they go in front, the better his chances will be,” Sadler said.

"It would surprise me if he doesn't run well. I'm not going to say he will win but he'll go well.”

Glen Boss will be aboard Lonrockstar at Moonee Valley.