After
an outstanding Autumn campaign which resulted in three consecutive city wins,
trainer Brad Graham now has eyes set on an ambitious Spring campaign with the
promising Western Australian galloper Tonkatuff.
"I have been delighted at the improvement that his bloke continues to make,"
said Graham. "He's such a big, strong
and athletic horse that it was obvious that he only needed time to mature to
fulfill his potential."
After a short break, Tonkatuff is now back in work and Graham is raising the
bar for this exciting son of Therock (Fastnet Rock).
"We are looking at some pretty good races for him and will target the $100,000
Listed Hannans Handicap at Kalgoorlie in September and the $100,000 Listed
Northam Cup in October," Graham said.
"Who knows, if he can get through those races and continue to make natural
improvement, we may also roll the dice and have a crack at the Group 1, $1m
Railway Stakes," Graham said. "I know it's a big ask, but if he can make the
same improvement this campaign that he did last time, then its something we
will be considering. He's certainly the best horse that I have trained," he
added.
Both Graham and owner/breeder Brad Cooper have become big fans of Tonkatuff's
sire, 'Therock'.
"I really like the breed," Cooper said. "I have seen the stallion and he is one
of the best looking stallions that you could ever wish to see. He is clearly
stamping his progeny and they all seem to be big, strong and athletic types –
just like him," he said.
Cooper set about finding another progeny by Therock and recently purchased a
2yo filly out of a WA mare, Xaartos. The mare is half sister to stakes winner
All Friared Up.
"I purchased the filly from Victoria and when she arrived and got of the float
at my property, I couldn't have been happier. The similarities between her and
'Tonka' are quite incredible," he said. " I'm now looking at sending another
mare to Victoria to be covered by Therock".
Therock (Fastnet Rock – Bumps) was an expensive weanling from the first crop of
Fastnet Rock. Trained by leading Sydney trainer Gerald Ryan, Therock
impressively won two Sydney 3yo races and was ruling favourite for the G1 $1m
New Zealand Guineas. There was no doubt in Gerald Ryan's mind that Therock was
going to deliver Fastnet Rock his first Group 1 winner. Regrettably for
connections, the horse pulled up sore from his impressive Rosehill victory (where
he defeated multiple subsequent Group winners) and was eventually retired to
stud.
Therock was lured to stand his first season in Western Australia however was
moved to Bombora Downs on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria in the following
year.
From limited opportunities, Therock continues to produce winners around the
country with Mercury Rocks winning impressively at the recent Bendigo meeting
and Miss Harley Quinn winning in Western Australia.
It is clearly evident that Fastnet Rock is creating is own sire dynasty similar
to that of his own sire, Danehill. Hinchinbrook, Foxwedge, Rothesay, Smart Missile and
Stryker have all enjoyed success and sired numerous stakes winners. Whilst
Therock may not have won a stakes race, there was no questioning of his ability
and superior physical appearance. It seems just a matter of time when Therock
will also be producing multiple stakes winners.
Therock is again standing at Bombora Downs for the 2017 season. His stallion
fee is just $3,500 + gst.
To book your mare or for information contact Christoph Bruechert on 0419 534
961 or (03)59 836 802 or email to horses@bomboradowns.com