Ascot trainer Russell Stewart is looking forward to a G2 Perth Cup (2400m) campaign with Rock ‘N’ The Jam after the emerging stayer completed an Ascot hat-trick on Saturday.
Rock ‘N’ The Jam was stepping up to 2100m for the first time at just his eighth start in the $100,000 Rogan Josh Stakes and looked right at home routing his rivals on the final day of the Ascot season.
“He’s no Rogan Josh but he can go to greater heights next season,” Stewart said referring to the $1 million Perth Cup on New Year’s Day 2027. “That’s his last run this prep and I wish they were all that easy.”
Rock ‘N’ The Jam also impressed jockey Steve Parnham following the front-running exhibition that extended the margins out to six lengths between the winner and the minor placegetters River Rubicon (Rubick) and Royal Law (Pierro).
“He’s got potential and hopefully we’re here with a fighting shot in eight months,” Parnham said. “He’s still learning but just cruised through the gears today. He settled in running and I was happy to let him get into a nice rhythm in the lead.”
Rock ‘N’ The Jam (Photo / Western Racepix) continued the career-best run of Gold Front Thoroughbreds stallion Awesome Rock (Fastnet Rock) who has sired the winners of 13 races in the last month. Gold Front’s Alan and Sue Olive bred and sold Rock ‘N’ The Jam for $47,500 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale and his earnings went through $400,000 on Saturday with Westspeed Bonuses contributing $183,000.
Stewart prepares him for a partnership including his wife Antonella, sons James and Kye and well-known industry figures Joe Silvestri and Neil Irvine.
Awesome Rock sired him from Latakia Friars (Blackfriars) who had won a Bunbury maiden over 2000m for the Olives during a sole prep as an autumn 3yo in 2017. She is a half-sister to G1 ATC Champagne Stakes (1600m) winner Carry On Cutie (More Than Ready) and her latest foal is an unraced 2yo colt named Awesome Mission.
