Grand mare Zero Rock gave her backers and trainer Kelso Wood a fright before making a successful defence of her title in the Listed Travel Associates Classic at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Zero Rock ($1.55 fav) did it tough under top weight of 57.5 kilograms and had to fight off several challengers before prevailing by a short neck over Liesele ($5.50).
Mossriver ($7) was 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Wood, who was recently discharged from hospital following heart surgery, conceded he had serious concerns when several runners went up to challenge Zero Rock halfway down the straight.
“I was worried when the bastards went to her,” a relieved Wood said.
“But I knew she wouldn’t let me down.
“It was a good effort from a six-year-old mare first-up.
“I know she has a lot of class but she still had a big weight and it was a great effort.”
Zero Rock, who was having her first start since the winter carnival, won the same feature last year before going on to win the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1350m) at Doomben 12 months ago.
Wood is planning a similar program with Zero Rock who will run in the Lough Neagh Stakes in two weeks before heading to the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast on January 14.
Zero Rock’s win gave jockey Chris Munce his third winner for the day, following his earlier victories on Heart To Fear in the Country Cup (1200m) and Kar Ma Te in the Tattersall’s Arcade Handicap (1800m).
Munce has been in spectacular form and landed his first ever haul of five winners at a city meeting at Doomben last month.
Although punters and Wood were concerned when Zero Rock was given no peace in front, Munce was never worried.
“It was a tradesmanlike win,” he said.
“She was under a bit of pressure on the home turn but I wasn’t really worried.
“I was mindful of the weight she was carrying and she had to carry it.”
AAP TURF
