Awesome Rock 3yo Quokka Rocka had been placed twice this prep in Pinjarra maidens before breaking through in better company for Belhus Racing at Belmont on Wednesday.
Given the run of race one-out and one-back by Jason Whiting, he tracked Rock Star Queen (Awesome Rock) into the straight before outflanking a wall of horses at the furlong to score by over a length from Xentaro (Nicconi) and Jimmy Angel (Harry Angel).
Belhus Racing owners Peter and Karen Morley were in Hong Kong for Champions Day at Sha Tin and posted their compliments after the Liquor Barons Hcp (1200m). “Congrats to the owners on course today and the rest who are spread far and wide. ‘Rocky’ obviously has his share of ability winning easily and he also picked up a Westpeed Platinum Bonus.”
Trainer Steph Bakranich said Quokka Rocka had been knocking on the door and getting better and better with each outing. “He’s a super little horse and loves coming to the races. He tries his heart out and it worked out perfectly when he flowed into the race today.”
Quokka Rocka was bred by Peter Morley using Gold Front Thoroughbreds resident Awesome Rock over NZ-bred mare Presentatie. She was purchased by Peters Investments after winning her first two starts by a combined nine lengths as a spring 3yo at Timaru and Wingatui in 2015.
Presentatie won at Ascot for Grant Williams but didn’t progress and was sold to Belhus Racing for $11,000 at the Magic Millions Autumn Sale in 2018. She changed hands again after foaling Quokka Rocka and her latest is a yearling filly by Spiritjim (Fr) bred by Bethany Poletti.
Mr Bling completed a double at Belmont for Awesome Rock in the Morley Growers Market Hcp (2200m). He was bred by Courtland Park’s Tony and Kerry Cockburn and is a half-brother to dual LR Bunbury Cup (2200m) winner Blazing Away (City Place).
Awesome Rock struck again on Anzac Day with Outspoken Lad in the $100,000 Diggers Cup (1800m) at Ascot. It was his fourth trophy race victory following the $70,000 Narrogin Cup (1900m), $60,000 Carnarvon Cup (2000m) and $100,000 Esperance Cup (2010m).
Outspoken Lad is owned by a Pearce Racing syndicate and he’s a half-brother to G3 SAJC Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) winner Lady Cosmology (Universal Ruler). They were bred by Gold Front’s Alan and Sue Olive from Out Spoken Lady (Galileo) and she has a filly foal by Awesome Rock on the ground at Breera.
