Rocktex franked the form of two very impressive winners last month with a promising victory of his own in the MC Polytrack Plate (1400m) at Belmont on Saturday.
Rocktex was ridden a treat by Clint Johnston-Porter who was aboard for the first time. He settled behind front-running even-money favourite Gaintree (Profiteer) before joining a wall of horses in the straight to defeat Rogue Ruler (Universal Ruler) and Sarabi (Maschino).
The 3yo first-crop son of Darling View sire Splintex eased from $18 to $21 despite coming off encouraging seconds to Cassandra (Exceedance) at Pinjarra and Raw Umber (Dirty Work) at Belmont.
“We’ve raced a couple of others by Splintex and there’s no negatives at all,” trainer Trevor Andrews claimed. “This horse is super tough and had already run over 1400m which stood him in good stead today.
“We will stick with these Westspeed Bonus races for now rather than aiming too high. He’s just won $84,000 and that’s pretty good money for the owners.”
Rocktex (Photo / Western Racepix) was bred and sold for $65,000 by Gervase Park owners Chris and Andrea Gales at the 2025 Perth Magic Millions. His dam Aphrodite Rock (Commands) is a half-sister to Flemington black-type winner Ayers Rock (Nicconi) and she will go back to Splintex this year.
“Rocktex is the third city winner we’ve bred by Splintex following Spinarella and Chixfromthestix,” Andrea said on the weekend. “That’s not bad breeding three of his six winners to date considering we only have a 10% ownership in the stallion!”
Gozaimasu is another very promising Splintex 3yo with Shane Nichols at Mornington. He was sold by Gervase Park for $87,000 at the 2025 Perth Magic Millions to a syndicate that includes Tony Buhagiar. He’s the final foal from Flemington winner Arigato (Choisir) and she was also prepared by Nichols for a syndicate that included ‘Budgie’. Her only other foal is the Pearce Racing mare Pariah’s Thanks (Pariah) who won a Bunbury maiden on Australia Day.
The Belhus-based couple sold another three Splintex yearlings at this year’s Magic Millions including a $60,000 colt purchased by Andrews. His dam Zouling (Zoustar) is a blood-sister to Haut Bron Her who was a Group 2 winner at Flemington and Rosehill for Chris Waller.
“We’ve been getting positive feedback from the ones sold this year,” Andrea added. “The Zouling colt that Trevor bought is a very athletic type and he really caught the eye at the Sale.”
Splintex (Snitzel) stands for $4,400 at Darling View Thoroughbreds with Playing God ($49,500), Group 1 newcomer Royal Patronage ($16,500) and Lightsaber ($6,600). All fees (inc GST). For bookings and/or further information, call Brent Atwell on 0408 648 100.
