Rocku surprises in semi final success

Consistent pacer Rocku (Rock N Roll Heaven) caused somewhat of a boilover when he flashed through the middle of the pack to score a surprise win in the second semi Final of the NSW Breeders Challenge.

Despite winning a Heat at Bathurst and being a model of consistency in his career Rocku was friendless in the betting.

Royal Cruiser from the powerful Bernie Hewitt stable was backed into odds on favourite and had little trouble in holding the lead from the pole position.

Force Full who had also previously won a Heat at Menangle Park settled in behind the leader. 

Royal Cruiser looked to be travelling with plenty in hand on the final bend but the race suddenly changed complexion when outsider Glitter Aint Gold appeared out of the pack right down the outside. Just when he appeared the winner, Rocku who had been three back on the rails, threaded his way through the pace and in a barnstorming finish scored by one and a half metres from Glitter Aint Gold with Royal Cruiser unable to hold off the challenges to end up third.

ROCKU REPLAY

The winner’s mile rate of 1.52.6 was notably slower than War Dan Buddy’s effort in the previous semi final.

Rocku is prepared at Bathurst by Peter Trevor-Jones and was driven by John O’Shea.

Rocku has been his only runner over the last 5 months and proved to be a nice money earner scooping another $15,000 for his semi final success.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink