Fastnet Rock Colt Wins First Sydney Trial

2nd September 2008

The first official two year-old barrier trial of the season in Sydney was conducted at Rosehill on Tuesday morning with victory going to the Tim Martin trained colt Zikmann (2c Fastnet Rock x Belle Feline, by Tale of the Cat) , a son of champion sprinter Fastnet Rock.

A natrual style of runner, Zikmann cruised clear to take the 900 metre trial by more than two lengths from the Encosta de Lago filly Kiss From a Rose.

“He’s a lovely horse and he trialled well,” Tim Martin said.

“He’s got plenty of ability and we’ll just take it day by day but if he continues to handle the work he’ll push onto the Breeders Plate on Epsom day.”

Retained to race by his breeders, Zikmann is the first foal of smart metropolitan winning Tale of the Cat mare Belle Feline, whose dam Belle Star is a full sister to dual Kiwi Group One winner Ray’s Hope.

Belle Feline was covered by Fastnet Rock again last spring and is due to produce a full sibling to Zikmann.

The Australian trial came only weeks after Fastnet Rock's credentials were franked by a stunning trial display by an unnamed filly in New Zealand. The filly, out of the Zabeel mare Dubai Express, won her trial in the fastest trial time of the day.

Fastnet Rock is a short priced favourite to be leading first season sire in Australia by individual winners with Sportingbet Australia posting him a $1.35 favourite.

After covering his first three books of mares at a fee of $55,000, Fastnet Rock has had an increase this year based on the response to his first yearlings (now two year-olds) and stands at $82,500.