On The Rocks eyes NZ Derby
On The Rocks is back in New Zealand Derby contention after downing his fellow classic hopefuls at Ellerslie.
The Alamosa colt dropped down the pecking order after he was unplaced in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), but he’s back in business after knocking off a strong three-year-old line-up in yesterday’s $100,000 Avondale Guineas (2100m).
On The Rocks’ performance under stable jockey Jake Bayliss has seen his NZ Derby (2400m) odds come in from $16 to $6.50.
‘‘To be honest, I was a bit dubious today about the wet track, but he’s just so brave,’’ said Pam Gerard, who trains with Michael Moroney.
‘‘His work during the week was absolutely outstanding and it was a beautiful ride from Jake. Very patient and it was all about getting the horse to settle and finish off and he’s done that.
‘‘I would like a better track for the Derby and a good draw.’’
Out of a half-sister to the Melbourne Cup (3200m) and VRC Derby (2500m) winner Efficient, On The Rocks raced behind the pace and he finished determinedly in the straight for the third win of his seven-start career.
‘‘At his last start he raced on a hot speed and they really turned it up at the 800m and he got bottomed out,’’ Bayliss said.
‘‘I was full of confidence today, his work had been huge and he was on his toes. I got him to settle better and he towed me into it at the top of the straight and kicked.
‘‘He’s got plenty up his sleeve and I think he’s a big Derby hope. He’ll be a length or two better on a good surface as well.’’
The filly Danzdanzdance ran on well for second to also do her Derby claims no harm, while Vin De Dance, Scott Base and Mission Hill were next home and also returned solid trials for the upcoming feature on March 3.
A KENNY RAE’S punting mates may have felt short-changed after Kaharau won at Ellerslie, but they were all smiles after stablemate Major Tom followed suit in the closing event.
The Ruakaka horseman gave the former little chance in the Nathan’s Memorial (2400m) and was much keener on the latter’s prospects over 2100m.
‘‘My tip was Major Tom, I thought he could win again, but I didn’t think Kaharau could win with the weight – I was wrong but who cares,’’ said Rae, who trains with his wife Lisa and their daughter Krystal Williams.
Kaharau’s victory under 60kg has put him right in the Auckland Cup (3200m) picture.
His odds for the cup tumbled from $61 to $14 after a determined dress rehearsal.
Placed in the New Zealand Cup (3200m) in the spring, Kaharau led early for jockey Sam Spratt before trailing, and he was back in front 300m from home.
The six-year-old showed the tenacious side of his nature to hold the challenge of Ladies First at bay to win by a short-head. Araldo Junior gave a strong account of himself in his New Zealand debut to be a long-head back in third.
Major Tom had little trouble justifying Rae’s faith in the son of Redwood when he posted a clear-cut victory off the back of a Pukekohe success six days previously.
‘‘He doesn’t need a heavy track, he’s a very talented horse on dead to slow tracks,’’ Rae said. ‘‘He’s really switched on in the last two or three months.’’
Major Tom completed a double for apprentice Jasmine Fowcett, who had earlier been successful aboard the Bill Pomare-trained Rich Billie Marsh.