Impressive Maiden Winners for Fastnet Rock

Champion sire Fastnet Rock posted a winning double at Bendigo on Wednesday with a couple of blue-blooded three year-olds in Santa Rocks (3f Fastnet Rock x Aussie Christmas, by Johannesburg) and Mordicus (3g Fastnet Rock x Valourina, by Snippets).

A $350,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of Newgate Farm for Paul Messara/ Blue Sky Bloodstock, three year-old filly Santa Rocks opened her account when scoring over 1500 metres by the best part of a length.

Prepared by Hawkes Racing, Santa Rocks runs for a big syndicate that includes her breeders and Arrowfield Stud.

She is the first foal of Aussie Christmas (USA), an unraced half-sister to Group I winner and sire Harlan’s Holiday.

Saluting in the previous race was talented three year-old gelding Mordicus, who improved on his debut second at Bendigo last month to bolt away and win the 1300 metre maiden by nearly four lengths as a red hot favourite.

Bred and raced by SF Bloodstock, Mordicus is trained by Peter Morgan and Craig Widdison.

He is a half-brother to Group II winners Timbourina, Media and stakes-winner Cardinal Virtue being the ninth winner from sterling producer Valourina, who was bought for $1.6 million back in 2008.