Fast 'N' Rocking On Trial For Brisbane G1s
- Thursday, 16 April 2015 07:35
Fast `N' Rocking will have to wait for another chance to snare a Group One win after connections decided to bypass an All Aged Stakes start in favour of a Group Three assignment.
The David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained sprinter will take his place in the Group Three Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) after connections considered it a more winnable race.
"We also had him in the Group One but it looked a bit tough with Chautauqua and Terravista in there," Dabernig said.
"And we've got it in the back of our mind whether he goes up to Queensland (for the winter carnival).
"The run on Saturday will tell us whether we either come back and look at the Goodwood or maybe head up to Brisbane."
The Group One Goodwood is four weeks from Saturday over 1200m in Adelaide while the BTC Cup, Doomben 10,000 and $2 million Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) are Brisbane Group One options.
"It's very good money, the Brisbane trip, but he would have to be winning or right thereabouts on Saturday to be heading that way," Dabernig said.
Fast `N' Rocking has twice been placed at Group One level including a fast-finishing third in the Oakleigh Plate this campaign.
He just missed a place in the Group One Galaxy in Sydney and didn't appreciate the rain-affected going in the TJ Smith Stakes when he finished sixth and just over five lengths from the winner Chautauqua.
"Last start it was quite a wet track and we thought he actually ran quite well considering the conditions because his form in the wet is not fantastic," Dabernig said.
"But he's in great order."
Fast `N' Rocking's opposition includes Our Boy Malachi, Craftiness and Vashka who all take winning streaks into the race.
Last Saturday the Hayes and Dabernig-trained Criterion scored a dominant win in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.
Dabernig said Criterion has settled in well in Hong Kong after arriving on Tuesday morning to prepare for Sunday week's Group One QEII Stakes (2000m).
"He's had the benefit of the trip up there late last year and he's a horse that travels well. He's got up there and settled in beautifully," he said.
