Cover image courtesy of Grant Matthew at Race Images
Despite being caught wide throughout, Rock On Wood raced away with the Rydges Wellington-sponsored feature to hand out maiden Group 1 honours on a number of fronts.
It was a first top-flight training success for Leanne Elliot, her jockey son Ryan and to the lightly-tried 6-year-old’s Westbury Stud-based sire Redwood (GB) whose associate stallion Telperion produced his first stakes winner earlier in the day.
Stormy (NZ) winning the G2 Pete’s Joinery, Precise Design & Build Wakefield Challenge S. | Image courtesy of Race Images
The unbeaten Tony Pike-trained colt Stormy (NZ) had opened Telperion’s winning account last month when successful on debut at Awapuni and on Saturday added the G2 Pete’s Joinery, Precise Design & Build Wakefield Challenge S. to his record.
“It’s a big thrill to see Telperion make such a good start and now a first Group 1 winner for Redwood,” Westbury General Manager Russell Warwick said.
“It’s a big thrill to see Telperion make such a good start and now a first Group 1 winner for Redwood.” – Russell Warwick
“We put a lot of time and effort into selecting our stallions and look at genetics, race performance and pedigrees, like a lot of studs, and to get it right is very gratifying. It’s been a great day.”
Rock On Wood was a deserved winner at the elite level following two luckless attempts in quick succession earlier this year.
He was checked and blocked for room in the G1 Thorndon Mile and flew home late for fourth and next time out was again hemmed in before powering into third in the G1 Herbie Dyke S.
Rock On Wood’s fortunes didn’t seem to get much better on Saturday when he was flushed out wide, but he did appreciate being out in the open and when asked to lengthen stride in the straight he did so with ease.
“He put in a big effort alright. He jumped really well and a lot of horses inside pushed forward so there was no point in trying to go with them on a slow track,” Ryan Elliot said.
“He jumped really well and a lot of horses inside pushed forward so there was no point in trying to go with them on a slow track.” – Ryan Elliot
“I stayed where I was wide and kept him flowing and he sprinted well. He got to the front quickly and was floating around, but that’s what he does on a slow track. Just wait until he gets on a better track.
“It’s just so special to get a Group 1 and to do it for Mum is amazing.”
Raced by Elliot’s family, Rock On Wood was purchased out of Long Acres Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for NZ$26,000. He is a son of the six-time winner Rock On Rye (Catcher In The Rye {Ire}).
A sister to Rock On Wood will be offered by Cambria Park as Lot 75 during Book 1 at Karaka next month.
Rock On Wood (NZ) as a yearling
Worries disappear
Leanne Elliot admitted to some pre-race worries with Rock On Wood, and after barrier rise the way the race panned out.
“I was worried about the track and he had to do it tough being three wide, but it’s awesome to give Ryan his first Group 1,” she said.
Rock On Wood was out by 1l at the finish with the favourite Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) doing her best work late to run into second and Deerfield (NZ) (Falkirk {NZ}) did well to cling onto third after the making the running.
Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}), a stablemate of the runner-up, finished fourth after having every chance while the well-supported Aimee’s Jewel (NZ) (Proisir) settled at the tail of the field and failed to make any impression and trailed in eighth.
Leanne Elliot (2nd from right) celebrates with her mum Jill Ker (left), sister Yvonne and son Ryan after Rock On Wood’s win at Trentham | Image courtesy of Grant Matthew at Race Images
