The powerful bay went into Friday’s G3 Australian Bloodstock Cameron H. at Newcastle off the back of consecutive wins in the lower grades, but Team Hawkes had every confidence he was up to the task and, as usual, they were on the money.
Rock jumped from an awkward gate and rider Tommy Berry had little choice but to let him drift toward the tail of the field. They were still well back on the turn and when given his head, the powerful bay cut loose with a storming run for the fourth win of his eight-start career.
“He had to do it tough, albeit with a light weight, but the way the race panned out early it had no speed and he had to go back further than we anticipated,” Michael Hawkes said.
“To Tommy’s credit he got him in a nice rhythm and got him going on the corner and he’s got an explosive turn of foot.
“To Tommy’s credit he got him in a nice rhythm and got him going on the corner and he’s got an explosive turn of foot.” – Michael Hawkes
“The leaders were going to be hard to catch and it’s taken a good horse to do it. He’s got a date with an Epsom now, which is fantastic.”
Berry has now won twice on Rock and he has no doubt that he is up to making an impact in the Epsom.
“This race has been a great lead-up and he’ll get in with a light weight and I’m sure he’ll be a great chance,” he said.
Tommy Berry has won twice on Rock
Berry said the Cameron hadn’t gone to plan, but Rock was good enough to execute Plan B.
“That was a massive win and I said to Michael it would be lovely if we could get a nice spot in midfield with cover. That was clearly not going to happen so I had to take him back further than I wanted.
“Full credit to this bloke, he had the toughest run in the race but he was the best horse.”
“Full credit to this bloke, he had the toughest run in the race but he was the best horse.” – Tommy Berry
Berry also acknowledged the stable’s skill in placing its horses to best advantage.
“They are very patient trainers and they annoy me sometimes because you know how good these horses are and you think give them one more run, but they give them time and reap the rewards.”
Rock as a yearling
Articus (Fr) (Areion {Ger}) had won at Randwick at a big price at his previous run and he proved that no fluke with a gallant run for second after sitting wide all the way and Nettoyer (Sebring) got out late to claim third money.
Rock was offered by Coolmore at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and was snapped up by Team Hawkes for $130,000. He is a brother to the multiple winner and stakes placegetter Femme Fireball with their dam the Fastnet Rock mare Subtitle.
