Mark Walker Wins Two

It was another successful race meeting at Kranji on Sunday as Te Akau Singapore trainer Mark Walker recorded TWO impressive wins - one with Iking, the other with the David Ellis purchased Rockfast ... the Singapore Turf Club reports on the possible Group 1 Singapore Derby contender who is being very patiently handled ...

Trainer Mark Walker is still playing the conservative card even after Rockfast took out the $80,000 Gingerbread Man 2011 Stakes over 2000m on Sunday.

The New Zealander had all along been careful about not overselling the Fastnet Rock four-year-old as a Singapore Derby prospect, even if at this stage the Te Akau Racing Stable-owned gelding is his only eligible contender.

He thought the 65-point rater needed to beat $17 favourite Zip A Dee Doo Dah, himself a Derby aspirant, on Sunday first, let alone picking up more points before he can face the starter in the glamour showpiece on July 10.

 

Manoel Nunes steers Rockfast to a solid win on Sunday.

Ridden by back-from-suspension jockey Manoel Nunes, Rockfast ($30) was simply impressive when he emerged from the rear division at the 300m to go and hold at bay all comers in the Kranji Stakes C race.

Zip A Dee Doo Dah (Alan Munro) lost no marks as he had to thread a passage through to settle for third one length off Air Force One (Corey Brown) in second place. Both placegetters are also in the running for the Derby.

When asked if the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge and ultimate the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m) were in Rockfast's sights, Walker's answer was yes and no.

“He won't go for the 1400m leg (Stewards' Cup on May 29) and I'll see how he pulls up,” said Walker who has yet to win a Derby, here or even in New Zealand in spite of his 20 Group 1 wins there.

“He's won well today but it's still a big step-up to go towards the Derby. I thought No 2 (Zip A Dee Doo Dah) would be hard to beat today.

“Nunes rode him for luck and they got the split. He then motored home for a nice win.  I think the rain that came yesterday took the jar out of the track and that definitely helped him.”

Nunes was delighted he had come back a winner after his enforced holiday (four-day ban on careless riding), but just like Walker, would not stick his neck out about anything loftier for Rockfast.

“It's beautiful to get a win early back from suspension. Can't get any better than this,” said Nunes whose first ride Famous Artist came up short narrowly (Rockfast was his second ride).

“From his good barrier, he settled in midfield, and I was able to move along the rails. I had plenty of horse left and took my time.  But when Corey Brown's horse (Air Force One) and John Powell's horse (Smart Lad) started to drop, I had to go around them. He then quickened really well and hit the line strongly.

“He's a horse that took a while to acclimatise. He's much better now but we need to see more improvement from him to go for a race like the Derby.  But he deserves a chance at it and let's hope he keeps going in that direction.”

Rockfast has now recorded three wins and two placings for stakes earnings past the $130,000 mark for his connections.  He was purchased from the Karaka Premier Sale by David Ellis for $410,000 from the draft of Curraghmore Stud.

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