Impressive Group Two Win for Empress Rock

Rising star Empress Rock (3f Fastnet Rock x Empres Jade, by Encosta de Lago) trounced a smart field of fillies to win the Group II MVRC Sportingbet Fillies Classic as she pleased at Moonee Valley on Friday night. A last start winner of the Group II VRC Kewney Stakes over 1400 metres, Empress Rock handled the additional 200 metres of the Sportingbet Classic with ease, pressing forward to lead from a wide draw and then controlling the race throughout. She settled perfectly for Steven Arnold in the run, relaxing into a rhythm before striding clear off the bend to win by three and three-quarter lengths, her overall record now an impressive three wins and two placings from six starts with prizemoney in excess of $350,000. “She’s a lovely filly and Reg Fleming (Cummings Melbourne foreman) has taken his time with her since she came to us,” said stable representative Joe Agresta. “She was only about 80% when she ran at Moonee Valley two starts back and then last start she showed what she could do. She’ll be off to Sydney now.” Raced by Bart Cummings and long time client Dato Tan Chin Nam, Empress Rock is the first foal of Empress Jade, a metropolitan winning half-sister by Encosta de Lago to champion sprinter Silent Witness and Group II winner Sister Madly. Covered again by Fastnet Rock last spring, Empress Jade was a $480,000 Inglis Easter purchase back in 2005 for Bart Cummings, the mare retained to breed on with after her racing career, a decision that may well prove fruitful judging by the performance of Empress Rock. Empress Rock is another high class performer for Fastnet Rock, who is leading the Australian General Sires List by earnings and stakes-winners.