On The Rocks (NZ) Claims Second Stakes Win in Guineas

Highly talented Select Sale graduate On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa) picked up the second black-type win of his career with a tenacious victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Group 2 Electrolux Avondale Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie.

Previously the winner of the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m) at the same venue, On The Rocks mastered the extra distance of Saturday’s race and is now a leading contender for next month’s $1 million Group 1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m).

Ridden by Jake Bayliss, On The Rocks settled nicely in fifth place before lodging his challenge in the home straight. In a keenly contested finish with horses fanning across the track, On The Rocks prevailed by a short head.

“To be honest, I was a bit dubious today about the wet track, but he’s just so brave,” said Pam Gerard, who trains with Michael Moroney.

“His work during the week was absolutely outstanding and it was a beautiful ride from Jake. Very patient and it was all about getting the horse to settle and finish off and he’s done that.

“I would like a better track for the Derby and a good draw.”

Out of a half-sister to the Melbourne Cup and Victoria Derby winner Efficient (NZ) (Zabeel), On The Rocks was bred by Wellfield Lodge’s Bill Gleeson.

Offered in Wellfield’s draft at the 2016 Select Sale, he was bought by Paul Moroney for $40,000.

On The Rocks has now won three of his seven starts and more than $121,000 in prizemoney – three times his purchase price. He is raced by Ballymore Stables NZ Ltd, A Clark, N Gurney, A Mathieson, On The Rocks Syndicate, D P Sinn, Richard Sims, Jim Bebedellis, George Alas and John McNicholas.

The Avondale Guineas result was dominated by Karaka graduates. Runner-up Danzdanzdance (Mastercraftsman) cost just $5,000 at the Select Sale, while the third-placed Vin De Dance (NZ) (Roc de Cambes) was a $70,000 purchase at the Ready to Run Sale.

The fast-finishing fourth placegetter was the $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) winner Scott Base (NZ) (Dalghar), who cost $70,000 at the Select Sale.