Derby Hopeful for Nicconi

Promising young sire Nicconi added a new stakes-winner to his tally when progressive three year-old Ayers Rock won the Listed VRC UCI Stakes at Flemington on Sunday.

Narrowly beaten at his previous run in the Listed SAJC Morphettville Guineas, the Shawn Mathrick trained colt quickly made amends to lead throughout from gate one to win 1800 metre contest by more than a length.

“He’ll win the Derby this horse,”Mathrick said.

“When we broke him in I said this is the best horse we’ve ever had. He had a magnificent gait on him.”

A $110,000 Inglis Premier purchase for his trainer from the Burnewang North draft, Ayers Rock has two wins and a second from nine starts with prizemoney topping $113,000.

Despite being by a dual Group I winning sprinter in Nicconi from a female family more known for speed, Mathric believes his colt is on track for the Group I VRC Victoria Derby.

“He can run a trip and he’s a magnificent stayer,” Mathrick said.

Bred by Burnewang North, Ayers Rock is the first foal of stakes-placed Vintage Rock, a half-sister to Group II winner Let’s Rock Again from Group III winner Rock Review.

Ayers Rock is the fourth stakes-winner for Nicconi, who also sired three year-old gelding Faatinah to finish third in the Listed VRC Poseidon Stakes.

Nicconi stands at the vale fee of $11,000 this spring.