Australian Derby Dress Rehearsal Pitch Perfect

Exciting 3YO Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock-Affairoftheheart, by Fusaichi Pegasus) provided his connections with the perfect dress rehearsal for his Gr1 Australian Derby (2400m) challenge next month when giving his age-group rivals a start and a beating over 1600m at Tauranga on Saturday. According to racingnews.nz, the last start Gr1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner looked a picture of health as he paraded before the start and raced accordingly. Rider Craig Grylls allowed the Fastnet Rock (Danehill) colt to amble along at the rear of the six-horse field before commencing a sweeping run at the 600m. Co-trainer Lance O’Sullivan, who prepares Rocket Spade in partnership with Andrew Scott, was delighted with the performance and how the colt had pulled up after the race. “We weren’t too sure what to expect as we have concentrated on getting him ready for the 2400m of the Australian Derby, so he could have been vulnerable over the mile today… he has had a really good hit out which will help bring him along for his Sydney mission.” O’Sullivan confirmed the horse would travel to Sydney on Monday April 5 with the Australian Derby set to be run at Randwick on April 10. O’Sullivan revealed, “We have booked Kerrin McEvoy to ride him in the Derby, so it is all go from here.” Raced by Hermitage Thoroughbreds (The Autumn Sun, September Run, Dragon leap etc.), a racing and breeding operation headed by Hong Kong businessman Eugene Chuan, Rocket Spade has now won 5 of his 9 starts and over $758,000 in prizemoney. He was a $425,000 yearling purchase at the 2019 Inglis Easter Sale from the draft of Tyreel Stud.

Rocket Spade was impressive over the mile (pic: Trish Dunell)