Racing Hill filly dents a few reputations

Joes Rock dented a few reputations in today’s harness racing heat of the Nevele R/Macca Lodge Southern Oaks.

Aided by a super drive by Blair Orange the Brett Gray trained filly proved too good for previously unbeaten Aardie’s Express and Play Philly.

Joes Rock warming up

There was good pace in the race early with Nutcracker, Play Philly and Aardie’s Express burning gas.

Orange ended up four back on the inside but came off the inside with 1500 metres to run and headed to the top with a lap left to run. There was no respite, but Joes Rock was travelling better than most and was too good, beating Aardie’s Express by three quarters of a length.

“It was a very good drive. It looked like we could get into an awkward position. He got out and worked on around them. And how many would take on that hot pot (Aardie’s Express) who was unbeaten,” said Robert Symon who shares in the ownership of the filly with his wife Sharyn.

Joes Rock leads with a lap to run

At the finish

Joes Rock is by Racing Hill out of the Caprock mare Netty’s Kingdom which won three races for David Moore. The family goes back to the mighty Lordship.

“I was on the lookout for a horse, and I went to Justin Le Lievre who I’d dealt with before. He found this horse for me, and Terry Chmiel trialled her and told me she was a horse with a lot of speed and could be a good buy,” Robert said.

Symon wasn’t surprised with today’s result despite Joes Rock facing a quality field of fillies.

“Brett Gray told me this horse has got X factor and he thought she’d be in the first three.”

Winning salute from Blair Orange

Winning connections

The Symons also own Snow Robyn which won a heat of the Southern Oaks. They won the Group Two feature back in 2016 with Nek Time which was trained by Terry and Glenys Chmiel.

“When I bought her (Snow Robyn) last year Terry thought she was as good as Nek Time. If she’s three quarters as good, I’ll be more than happy.”

View the Invercargill results click here!

By Bruce Stewart