Epsom Goal for Pierro’s Rock

Tara Madgwick - Friday September 20
A patient approach with progressive Pierro four year-old gelding Rock paid big dividends at Newcastle on Friday when he stormed into contention for the Group I ATC Epsom Handicap with a barnstorming victory in the Group III Cameron Handicap.




Drawn wide in the big field of 15, the Team Hawkes trained Rock (image Steve Hart) settled at the rear and was the widest runner turning for home, but unleashed a sensational finishing burst to power home and win the 1400 metre contest by alength running away.

"That was a massive win," said winning rider Tommy Berry.

"I had to go back a lot further than I wanted, so full credit to him, he had a tough run and was the best horse."

Rock has been allowed to make his way quietly through the grades with wins in Benchmark 72 and 74 grade races at his first two runs back from a spell and was cherry ripe for this big step up in grade.

"He had to do it tough even with his light weight, but he's got that explosive turf of foot," said co-trainer Michael Hawkes.

"He's a good horse in the making and now has a date with the Epsom."

Rock as a yearlingA $130,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Coolmore draft for Hawkes Racing, he runs for a big syndicate of stable clients and has the tidy record of four wins and three seconds from just eight starts with prizemoney topping $226,000.

Foaled and raised at Coolmore, Rock is a full brother to stakes-placed Femme Fireball and is the second foal from winning Fastnet rock mare Subtitle, a grand-daughter of Group I winner Credit Account.

Subtitle has foaled this spring producing a filly by Cox Plate winner Adelaide (IRE).

Rock is the 18th stakes-winner for Coolmore's Golden Slipper winner Pierro, who is fully booked this spring at a fee of $88,000.


Advertisment
More Reading...
Pierro’s $1 Million Son Dragon Leap Stakes His Claim for the NZ Derby
Talented three-year-old Dragon Leap (Pierro) stamped his Derby credentials with his winning effort in the Group II Jamieson Park Auckland Guineas (1600m) at Ellerslie on Wednesday.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Nicks That Click – One of the Best
Two of Australia’s biggest farms in Arrowfield and Coolmore have very different stallion rosters, but in the instance of this nick they have created a match made in heaven.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
$550,000 Pierro Filly Brings Joy to Queenslanders
Coolmore’s Golden Slipper winner Pierro is currently the leading sire in the country by earnings and stakes-winners, but has been somewhat flying under the radar at Magic Millions with a filly from Phoenix Park selling on Friday for $550,000.
One to Watch – Moonee Valley
This promising three year-old Cosmic Force filly made it wo wins in as many starts at Moonee Valley on Friday night with a tenacious display.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
$900,000 Pierro Colt Bred on Magic Cross Leads the Way
Waikato bloodstock agent Garry Carvell went home with the horse he wanted on the first day of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale.