Latest News
Arguably there will seldom have been as much interest in a Maiden race at Geelong as there will be today, writes Darryl Sherer. Race three, slated to jump at 2pm, features the debut of Rockstardom, the first foal of three-time Melbourne Cup heroine and darling of the Australian turf in Makybe Diva.
A $1.5 million purchase by trainer Danny O’Brien at the 2009 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale (pictured going through the ring), Rockstardom is raced by a syndicate that includes breeder Tony Santic. Drawn barrier seven in the 1300 metre maiden with James Winks to ride, Rockstardom, a bay with prominent white face and socks, is ready to face the starter according to O’Brien.
“He’s had a nice, long build-up. He had a couple of trials at Geelong and now he’s ready to have a race,” O’Brien said of the son of Epsom Derby winner and proven classic sire Galileo (Ire). “Obviously, he’s not going to be seen to his best advantage until he gets to 2000m or 2400m. If he did everything right, you might get him towards the Derby at the end of spring.
“He’s done everything we could have expected at this stage. With his pedigree, you were never going to do too much with him until his spring three-year-old days, but I’d say he’s probably ahead of schedule going to the races now.
Makybe Diva earned a record $14.5 million. Her dam Tugela was purchased by agent John Foote for 60,000gns on behalf of Tony Santic at the 1998 Tattersalls December Mare Sale in foal to Desert King (Ire) – the resultant foal was Makybe Diva. Santic operates Makybe near Geelong and the farm has enjoyed international success this year courtesy of Starspangledbanner.
Rockstardom is not the only well-bred colt in the race today. Condahussler has already shown some ability and looks ready to win. By Hussonet (USA), his dam Con’s Amy did not quite match Makybe Diva’s record, but she was more than useful, winning over $200,000 and at Listed level, while David Hayes saddles Pitt Street, a son of Street Cry (Ire) and a promising fourth on debut behind Soul and Breitling at Flemington on June 26.
So, this is hardly a soft option. Victory for Rockstardom will certainly mark him down as a colt with a future. Defeat is hardly a disaster.
ANZ Bloodstock News -