Siting without cover for most of the third heat at Riverina Paceway on Friday, reinsman James McPherson admitted he was concerned after being put under plenty of pressure turning for home.

"He toughed it out nicely," McPherson said.

"I thought I was a bit of trouble at the turn but he fought on well up the straight and away he came with the victory."

Named for movie characters Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed, the four-year-old need plenty of fighting qualities as he held off Ideal Dancer by 2.8 metres.

After drawing wide McPherson believes he will be much better suited to a kinder trip in the final on May 22.

"He went good against Western Sonador, and toughed it out then as well, and with the right run he should be there in the final," he said.

"He is more of sit-sprint horse so we need a good barrier draw.

"He got barrier one at Bathurst when he beat a nice field so hopefully the same thing can happen.

"At least he is versatile and can do a bit of work and still be there in the finish."

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