Fastnet Colt Headed for Derby

Champion sire Fastnet Rock provided the first two over the line in the Group III MRC Norman Robinson Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday with two up and coming three year-olds in Hvasstan (3c Fastnet Rock x Snow Hero by True Hero) and Electric Fusion (3g Fastnet Rock x Silken Song, by Unbridled's Song) fighting out the finish to the 2000 metre Derby lead up.

In a rough run race, that ended in a nail biting finish, the Peter Gelagotis trained Hvasstan forced a passage between runners to score a half head win over Electric Fusion, who was later relegated to third with third over the line Honorius (3c Holy Roman Emperor x Zarinia, by Intikhab) elevated to second on protest.

All three place-getters are among entries for the Group I VRC Victoria Derby in two weeks time.

The win was an emotional one for Peter Gelagotis and his family after the sad passing of their much loved father Mike last week.

Gelagotis paid tribute to his father for introducing he and his brothers to racing and giving them the ability to work hard and succeed in the ‘best sport in the world’.

“Racing is the best sport in the world, it’s open to all players, rich and poor,” said Gelagotis.

“We’ve spent big money on this horse, so it’s been a real thrill for the owners.”

Winning rider Glen Boss has been aboard Hvasstan at his last three runs and was delighted with his performance.

“This horse brought his A game here today,” Boss said.

“For a horse that had no idea only a few months ago, he’s really getting it now.”

A $260,000 Inglis Premier purchase from the draft of Supreme Thoroughbreds, Hvasstan is the first stakes-winner from Group II placed Snow Hero and is pictured here with Manny Gelagotis as a yearling.

Hvasstan has proven a good investment winning three races and placing second twice from just six starts with more than $200,000 in prizemoney.

By True Hero (USA) from the family of Group I VATC Oakleigh Plate winner Coal Pak, Snow Hero has already foaled this spring producing a colt by High Chaparral.

Hvasstan is the 37th stakes-winner for Fastnet Rock, who is Australia’s most expensive sire this year standing at Coolmore at a fee of $220,000.