Here's the story for the upcoming Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale, the Matthew Dale-trained Rocket Commander, a $3,500 purchase from the 2013 Adelaide Sale, takes her earnings to near $400,000 when earning
The 5yo daughter of Court Command finished best in a three-horse war to defeat the Anthony Cummings-trained Hieroglyphics (Conatus) by a nose with the Kris Lees-trained Zestful (Redoute's Choice) another long neck back in third. (photo Steve Hart).
"They outsprinted her but she handles the wet track well and she was a rock solid, fit mare dropping back from the 1400m to the 1200m in a week. That is the right recipe for a race like today," Dale said.
"We know how tough she is, that is why we put her in the race. She raced at Caulfield on Saturday and we had no intention of running her until we saw what was forecast in Sydney.
"She came home from Melbourne, we got her home on Sunday night and she hasn't left one bit of feed since."
Winning rider Tommy Berry dedicated the win to
"I'm a bit emotional with this win. For everyone in Canberra, I just want you to all know that we're all thinking of you down here," Berry said.
"It's a big family up there and it was very fitting that this horse won today.
"All my thoughts and prayers go out to
Winner of the Listed Penny Edition Stakes in August last year when trained by Wayne Francis and Glen Kent, Rocket Commander was purchased by Kent for $3,500 out of the draft of Oakbank Estate Stud at session two of the 2013 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale.
She is the second foal and second winner out of the Red Ransom (USA) mare Pinot Royale a half-sister to Group III Tesio Stakes winner Our
Pinot Royale has a 2yo filly by Hussonet (USA) and was covered by Magic Albert last spring.
