Rocksun Rockets Home

... and the second Te Akau winner of the day was ...

Rocksun (3 g Fastnet Rock - Beyond the Sunset, by Gone West) ramped up the winning margin in the 94.3 The Sound of Kapiti Maiden 1400 metres on 12 May at Otaki.

Jockey Matt Cameron had won the previous race by nearly four lengths aboard stable-mate Its Our Showtime (Showcasing) but extended it to five and a quarter lengths as Rocksun toyed with the opposition.

Although a touch tardy from the gates, Cameron soon had Rocksun in a prominent position outside the leader, travelling easily, and the race was all over at the 300m as he cleared out to win easing down.

Owned by the 2014 Te Akau Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: David Ellis), Rocksun was a dominant favourite for the race and paid $3.00 & $1.50. On footing rated Slow7, he covered the 1400 metres in 1:26.6.

“David (Ellis) bought him out of Karaka for a stallion syndicate, the same group of owners that own Xtravagant,” said Jamie Richards, notching the 88^th win this season with co-trainer Stephen Autridge.

“He's had a few immaturity issues, went shin sore a couple of times, so we gelded him, have been patient, and the soft track really agreed with him.  He's in at the right time of year, now; the owners have been patient and hopefully he can go on from here,” said Richards.

A half-brother to Matamata Breeders Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner Te Akau Coup and stakes' winner of four races Don Garcia (Danehill), both purchased by Ellis and trained by Mark Walker, Rocksun also fitted the bill at yearling inspections' time.

“He was a magnificent looking colt in the Pencarrow draft and he's starting to display the athleticism he showed as a yearling,” said Ellis. 

“Eighteen months ago I put a syndicate together to buy four colts and I was thrilled to see Rocksun win like a horse that could really go places, and all the four horses have now won.

“They include dual Group 1 and Group 3 winner Xtravagant, Splurge, who looks as though he has an exciting future and Beacon of Hope has won twice.  It's our 2014 Te Akau Breeding Syndicate that includes some of our best owners.

“Many of the same owners also invested in the 2015 syndicate that includes Group 1 two year old winner Heroic Valour and quite a number are also in Hall of Fame, who won impressively the other day, and it's great to see them getting such a good return.

“It was great to see Steve and Jamie get another double,” said Ellis. “They're absolutely on fire at the moment and you can only get those results if the field staff is doing a really good job at home.  It shows that the team is working well together and I think it's just amazing the job they have done.

“They are now eight (wins) in front in the premiership and we've got some really good chances in the next ten days, and it's going to be an exciting time for Te Akau and all the owners that support us.

“We will have more horses to race through the winter, which creates good interest for all the owners and success is causing excitement for the staff at both the stables and here at the farm. It's great for team morale,” added Ellis.

Rocksun was strapped by Meg Cunneen.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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