Awesome Rock sired two Stakes winners from his initial crop at Gold Front Thoroughbreds and he’s on the cusp of a third at Rosehill on Saturday.
His second-crop stayer Awesome John has opened a $4.40 second-favourite for the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) behind stablemate Stroke Of Luck (Fastnet Rock) who is the market-leader at $3.70.
The John O’Shea-trained 3yo geldings are on Derby campaigns albeit in different States. “The Tulloch looks a nice race for both of them,” O’Shea said. “If Stroke Of Luck can turn in another good performance I’m keen to back him up in the (G1) ATC Australian Derby (2400m).”
Awesome John (3g Awesome Rock – Jayquin Star by O’Reilly) also has handy form-lines after being beaten just three lengths by top filly Zougotcha in the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) last start. He’s a homebred for Stan Saric who owned a share of Awesome Rock with Gold Front’s Alan and Sue Olive.
“He’s entered for the ATC Derby and WATC Derby and we’re more likely to send him across to Perth,” O’Shea said. “Otherwise, he will stay in Sydney for a race like the Frank Packer Plate.”
Bookmakers have Awesome John on the third line of betting at $6 for the G2 WATC Derby (2400m) on April 8 behind She’s Fit ($4) and Another Chino ($5).
Awesome Rock is going right on with the job this term following the exploits of Searchin’ Roc’s (G3 Champion Fillies, G3 R J Peters Stakes & LR Belmont Oaks) and Rokanori (LR John Roberts Stakes) last season.
Apart from Awesome John, his current 3yo crop includes Perth winners Diamond Blue, Legacy Of Tara, Rock My Way while over in Melbourne there’s a promising Gold Front homebred named Red Sun Sensation with trainer Peter Moody.
Red Sun Sensation (pictured) had been placed in the LR Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington in October and he’s gearing up for another black-type campaign on the back of a fast-finishing third in the Quayclean Hcp (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday.
“That was his second run this prep and he’s doing everything right,” Sue Olive said. “Peter is keen to get him across to Adelaide for their autumn 3yo feature races. We’re thinking he will have another start over 1800m in Melbourne before going over.”
