The bar will be raised for New Zealand mare Neena Rock who has completed her original mission to win an Australian stakes race in the Angst Stakes.
Trained by John Sargent, Neena Rock was sent out the $2.30 favourite in Saturday’s Group Three Angst Stakes (1600m) at Randwick following her two encouraging lead-up runs.
Sargent said the Group One Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington in three weeks was a target.
“She is a Group Three winner in New Zealand but Australian black type is important for her future as a brood mare,” Sargent said.
“She is a typical Fastnet Rock. They’ve got big hearts.
“We will look at the Myer Classic.
“When mares are in form they usually stay in form, Let’s hope she keeps the form for another three weeks.”
Tye Angland had Neena Rock closer than she had been in her past couple of starts and in position to make her move in the straight.
He had to work hard inside the final 100m to get past the leader Estonian Princess ($10) but she stretched out to win by a long head.
Danesiri ($26) made ground late to run third, another 2-3/4 lengths away.
“I thought the leader was getting away with cheap sectionals and that was why I made the early move,” Angland said.
“I am really lucky I did because Estonian Princess put in a good fight and I only just got there.”
Neena Rock’s win was consolation for Sargent after Kirramosa’s second last in the Group One Caulfield Stakes.
