Rock Fest has firmed into single figures for the G1 Railway Stakes (1600m) after an amazing victory in the Lawn Pride Australia Hcp (1400m) at Ascot.
The Awesome Rock 4yo looked a forlorn chance when disappointed for runs twice in the final furlong before exploding through a gap with a brilliant turn of foot to overwhelm Snow God (Playing God) and Territory Man (Territories)
It was not unlike his first-up win at Ascot a fortnight ago and the running double has seen his Railway quote firm from $21 into $9. He will contest the G3 R J Peters Stakes (1500m) at Ascot on November 14 when the winner gains automatic entry to the $1.5 million Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) on November 21.
It sets up what could be a carnival to remember for Pearce Racing with his stablemate Talkanco coming into calculations for the G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on November 28 following an eye-catching victory in the G3 Prince Of Wales Stakes (1000m) earlier on Saturday.
“Rock Fest (Photo / Western Racepix) is exciting and it takes a special horse to pick himself up and win like that,” co-trainer Ben Pearce acknowledged back in the enclosure.
“He’s a character with quirks and has his moments like many of the good ones. He could stretch out over ground like most of the family and we said back in January when he was injured that it could be a blessing in disguise in twelve months time. It’s tracking that way now.”
Rock Fest was sidelined for the second-half of his 3yo season and has faced the starter just 6 times for 4 wins earning $309,000 topped by Westspeed Bonuses of $103,000.
He’s by Gold Front stallion Awesome Rock who logged his first Group 1 when Watch Me Rock landed the 2025 Railway Stakes.
He was bred and sold by Gold Front for $55,000 at the 2024 Perth Magic Millions and his NZ-bred dam Society Gal (Faltaat) has already foaled black-type winners Red Sun Sensation (G3 SAJC Chairman’s Stakes) and Chili Is Hot (LR Belmont Oaks). “Wow! We were in a tricky spot but he accelerated like a serious horse,” winning jockey Holly Nottle said. “He’s well-balanced with a nice stride and has the ability to get out of awkward situations.”
Awesome Rock (Fastnet Rock) stands for $7,975 (inc GST) at Gold Front Thoroughbreds. For bookings or further details, call Sue Olive on 0417 937 606.
