Another Big Winner for Rock of Gibraltar

A red hot field lined up for the Group II ATC The Shorts at Randwick on Saturday with victory going to brilliant sprinter Pampelonne (4g Rock of Gibraltar x Jestajewel by Rory's Jester) , who sizzled at his first run back from a spell. The Tim Martin trained son of Rock of Gibraltar was fresh as a daisy having had no trials leading into this race, so jumped brilliantly from his wide gate to take up a position and was always in contention. He found the line strongly for Hugh Bowman to beat off classy mare Satin Shoes and win the 1200 metre dash by a neck, his overall record now an impressive five wins and two seconds from just eight starts with prizemoney of $789,600. "Got away with that one," said a relieved trainer, Tim Martin. "I was worried that he was too fresh when I saw him in the mounting yard. "He'll definitely improve off that. We'll take him straight to Melbourne. He might run on Caulfield Cup Day in the Caulfield Sprint and then straight to the Sallinger (Stakes 1200m)." Pampelonne impressed winning rider High Bowman, who won the rich Inglis Scone Guineas on him last preparation. "He's a good quality galloper that's got bigger things in store," Bowman said. "When I let him down he really put them away." A big strong chestnut bred by Neil Werrett for Black Caviar fame, Pampelonne was purchased by Martin for $140,000 from the Kitchwin Hills draft at the 2010 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and is raced by well-known Sydney owner Alan Bell. He is the second foal and second winner for stakes-placed Rory’s Jester mare Jestajewel, a half-sister to multiple stakes-winner Marveen. Pampelonne is one of 76 stakes-winners for Rock of Gibraltar, who has been enjoying a hot run in the Northern Hemisphere with recent Group I winners Society Rock and Samitar. The last Australian bred progeny of Rock of Gibraltar will be offered at yearling sales next year.