Widden Celebrate Fast ‘n’ Rocking
Melbourne – Talented colt Fast ’n’ Rocking was exactly that in the Group III MRC McNeil Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday, breaking his maiden in sensational style as he barged past a star studded field of three year-olds.
Prepared by David Hayes, Fast ,’n’ Rocking had previously held the much despised tag of ‘Australia’s best maiden’ having finished second to Miracles of Life in the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes in the autumn, but he shed it in no uncertain terms at his second run back from a spell.
An unlucky second when resuming in the Group III MRC Vain Stakes on August 17 and beaten a nose, the son of Fastnet Rock made amends this time around over 1200 metres.
He settled back from the leaders Divine Calling and Miracles of Life, who took over turning for home and pounced on the filly in the final furlong to surge clear for Brett Prebble.
He swerved in as he passed the filly pushing her in on top of the fast finishing Prince Harada, who was hampered considerably in finishing second some two lengths astern of Fast ‘n’ Rocking with both colts stamping themselves as potential spring superstars.
His trainer David Hayes was delighted with the run and has big goals ahead for the colt, who is a homebred for long time stable clients Peter Devitt and the Gordon family.
“He’s an exciting colt and I love the way he has tactical speed and can cruise,” said Hayes.
“He was rough and ready late, but he’ll be better for it and hard to beat in any race he runs in.
“The Caulfield Guineas is his goal, but we might go for the Golden Rose, it’s become a stallion making race, so you have to have a look at it.”
Bred by Peter Devitt and the late Les Gordon, Fast ‘n’ Rocking was raised at Widden Stud and has a win and three placings from nine starts to his credit with prizemoney topping $500,000.
He is the best of three winners from stakes-winning Hennessy (USA) mare For the Good Times, a grand-daughter of prolific matriarch Tautina, whose many significant descendants include Group I winners Just Now, Shiva’s Revenge and Happy Archer as well as horses like Scenic Warrior, Tellson and McClintock.
Fast ‘n’ Rocking carries the Widden Stud brand and his dam For the Good Times has been based at the farm in recent years going to dual Group I winner Nicconi, who was also bred by Mr Devitt and Mr Gordon.
She has produced two fillies and a colt born at the start of August, all by Nicconi, who has been listed as favourite by Sportingbet to be leading Australian First Season Sire of winners this season.