Fastnet Colt Impresses
Exciting colt Fast ’n’ Rocking (3c Fastnet Rock x For the Good Times, by Hennessy) was exactly that in the Group III MRC McNeil Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, breaking his maiden in sensational style as he barged past a star studded field of three year-olds.
Prepared by David Hayes, Fast ,’n’ Rocking had previously held the much despised tag of ‘Australia’s best maiden’ having finished second to Miracles of Life in the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes in the autumn, but he shed it in no uncertain terms at his second run back from a spell.
An unlucky second when resuming in the Group III MRC Vain Stakes on August 17 and beaten a nose, the son of Fastnet Rock made amends this time around over 1200 metres.
He settled back from the leaders Divine Calling and Miracles of Life, who took over turning for home and pounced on the filly in the final furlong to surge clear for Brett Prebble.
He swerved in as he passed Miracles of Life pushing her in on top of the fast finishing Prince Harada (3c Haradasun x Potential Princess, by Elusive Quality) , who was hampered considerably in finishing second some two lengths astern of Fast ‘n’ Rocking with both colts stamping themselves as potential spring superstars.
His trainer David Hayes was delighted with the run and has big goals ahead for the colt, who is a homebred for long time stable clients Peter Devitt and the Gordon family.
“He’s an exciting colt and I love the way he has tactical speed and can cruise,” said Hayes.
“He was rough and ready late, but he’ll be better for it and hard to beat in any race he runs in.
“The Caulfield Guineas is his goal, but we might go for the Golden Rose, it’s become a stallion making race, so you have to have a look at it.”
Bred by Peter Devitt and the late Les Gordon, Fast ‘n’ Rocking has a win and three placings from nine starts to his credit and prizemoney topping $500,000.
He is the best of three winners from stakes-winning Hennessy (USA) mare For the Good Times, a grand-daughter of prolific matriarch Tautina, whose many significant descendants include Group I winners Just Now, Shiva’s Revenge and Happy Archer as well as horses like Scenic Warrior, Tellson and McClintock.
Fast ‘n’ Rocking is the 46th stakes-winner for Fastnet Rock, who stands at Coolmore this spring at a fee of $275,000.
He is bred on the same cross as Group I MRC Thousand Guineas winner Irish Lights, who is also from a daughter of Storm Cat sire Hennessy.
Fastnet Rock over Storm Cat line mares has proven a notable nick producing 65% winners to runners with Group I winner Foxwedge and his stakes-winning sister She’s a Fox also bred that way.