Fastnet Double at Canterbury

Well travelled galloper The Blues (4g Fastnet Rock x Blue Music, by Bluebird) and rapid improver Rain Drum (4g Fastnet Rock x Gifted Spirit, by Thunder Gulch) provided in form sire Fastnet Rock with a winning double at Canterbury on Wednesday. Prepared by David Hayes, four year-old gelding The Blues took eight starts to win a race and has now won his past three in a row after scoring a tenacious victory in the Benchmark 70 event over 1100 metres. A $170,000 purchase from the Reavill Farm draft at the 2009 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, The Blues is the seventh winner from seven to race from Blue Music, a half-sister to the dam of Group I winner Piavonic. Posting his second win from just four starts, the Gai Waterhouse trained Rain Drum led all the way and kicked clear in the straight to win over 1900 metres by more than two lengths. “He’s come a long way in a short time, given he’s spent most of his life in a paddock to this point as this is his first preparation,” said stable representative Mark Newnham. “His owners have been very patient so it’s a great result for all.” Rain Drum was a $280,000 purchase from the Goodwood Farm draft at the 2009 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and runs in the Star Thoroughbreds colours for owners who include many that were involved with Golden Slipper winner Sebring. He is a three-quarter brother to stakes-placed Indelible and is one of three winners from the Thunder Gulch (USA) mare Gifted Spirit, who is a half-sister to Group II winner Light Up the World and to the dams of Group I stars Bentley Biscuit and Thorn Park. Fastnet Rock has started the new season in hot form and is running second on the Australian General Sires List by earnings with six stakes-winners to his credit including top colt Smart Missile, who will run in the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas this Saturday.