Graeme Rogerson was delighted by the reappearance of three-year-old colt Cosmic Cube (NZ) in a barrier trial at Te Teko this week.

Cosmic Cube (3c Dehere – So Keen by Jade Hunter) defeated classy gallopers All Decked Out (Darci Brahma) and Gobi Ranger (Tale of the Cat) in a 1000 metres hit-out.  “He’s still learning and Rory (Hutchins) just gave him a very quiet ride,” Rogerson said.  “He’s just a very good horse.”

Unbeaten in two starts at Ellerslie and Te Rapa in April, Cosmic Cube looks a likely prospect for November’s G1 NZ 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.

Cosmic Cube is a half-brother to the Rogerson-trained Keeninsky (Stravinsky) who was Champion NZ 2YO in 2003-04 and Champion NZ 3YO Sprinter in 2004-05.  Their dam So Keen was also prepared by Rogerson for four stakes victories in Sydney and NZ.  She has foaled a total of 7 winners.

Rogerson has turned his full-time attention to a big team in New Zealand since departing Randwick last month.  He has 110 horses on the books at a five-star facility in Hamilton.

“I’ve had a great time in Sydney but I’ve got no vested interests there anymore,” Rogerson said.  “I have the best team of young horses I’ve had for years over here and I will get back there for the carnivals.”

Meanwhile, Cosmic Cube will be seen next  in the LR Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Ruakaka on September 14.