Tim Martin declared Spot The Rock’s win in Saturday’s $70,000 Vinery Stud Maiden Plate at Scone felt as good as a Group One win.
The Rosehill trainer admitted he targeted the lucrative maiden with the three-year-old son of Fastnet Rock first-up, and the gelding made light work of it as he led all the way in the 1300m contest.
“That feels as good as a Group One for me,” Martin said.
“Not financially or anything, but just because they are good people that own him and good fun. And I used to train here.”
Under the guidance of jockey Hugh Bowman, Spot The Rock controlled the speed and then kicked strongly in the straight to defeat The Reveller by four lengths with Fill The Page another length away third.
“He was set for today, it was a nice maiden race and he had trialled well,” Martin said.
“The owners have been patient with him.”
Martin said he would look to take Spot The Rock through his grades during winter and Bowman believes there are more wins in store for the lightly-raced youngster who was having just his fourth start.
“I was really confident coming into today,” Bowman said.
“He’s a genuine Saturday-class horse. You never know until they actually get out and do it so it was nice to see him come out and perform in that manner.
“He’s a natural horse and he’ll improve again from that race experience today.”
AAP TURF
