The boys from the bush came to the big smoke and showed the city slickers how it was done when brilliant galloper Rocket To Glory scored an explosive win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Rocket to Glory extended his record to five wins from 11 starts, the past four in succession, when he raced away to win the $250,000 Geon Group Plate (1400m).
Prepared on the Sunshine Coast by former Rockhampton trainer Daryl Hansen, Rocket To Glory’s past three runs have been at Townsville, Rockhampton and now Eagle Farm and his connections have reaped the reward for their travel with the horse’s prizemoney now topping $400,000.
A $20,000 yearling purchase by Shovog, Rocket To Glory suffered a serious condition with his testicles before a gelding operation earlier this year rectified the situation and revived his career.
“One of his testicles was bigger than the other and it affected him when he galloped,” Hansen said.
“But once we gelded him he came good and he’s a very special horse. He’ll be spelled immediately and hopefully he’ll stay in Brisbane with me.
“He’s a very smart horse and he showed today he can relax and get 1400 metres easily.”
Rocket To Glory ($5.50) sped out of his outside barrier to lead easily for former Townsville jockey Chris Whiteley and the horse spaced his rivals in the straight to score a 2-1/4-length win.
Gold Coast gelding Noisy Ocean ($5) provided the quinella for Shovog when he ran on well to claim second with Black Cash ($8.50) a further 1-3/4 lengths back third.
Betting was thrown into disarray when the well-supported Rockhampton visitor Divine City was withdrawn six minutes before the race as a $4.80 chance while the well-supported $3 favourite Belle D’Amour disappointed after enjoying the run of the race and finished fifth.
AAP TURF
