Mark Minervini-trained four-year-old gelding Addiction To Rock (4g Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) – Bellediction) has returned from a break with a slashing win in the 68+ Handicap over 1200m at Morphettville today.
Having never being out of the money in three previous first-up runs, the gelding went into today’s event at the surprisingly generous odds of $13 on local totes.
Despite the race being open to runners from the relatively low rating of 68, right through to open class, the field attracted some quality gallopers, including the Victorian visitor Adamantium, who boasts a Group 1 placing in open company in the Futurity Stakes behind King Mufhasa, seeing him go around as the heavily-backed $2.20 favourite.
Jumping from barrier 11, with the steadier of 58.5 kilos, Trackside Racing stable-rider Shayne Cahill was always going to have his work cut out to find a good spot over the short course, but was able to do so with ease.
The former Victorian and recent acquisition to the Gower stable, Dubawi Gold made the running from the time the gates opened and controlled the tempo for much of the event, and as they turned for home, it appeared he had given the rest of the field the slip as he kicked two lengths clear whilst still travelling strongly.
As the runners fanned, Cahill was desperately seeking a run, and for a moment it appeared that the Rock was going to be just another first-up hard-luck tale. That luck changed though and Cahill’s patience was rewarded as the gap appeared and the gelding was unleashed menacingly, storming down the outside (fastest last 200m in 12.17) to claim the plucky Dubawi Gold and go on for a strong win.
Today’s victory was Addiction To Rock’s sixth, and with a further seven placings from 20 starts, the gelding has amassed a tick under $210,000 in stakes for his delighted connections.
Still only a relatively lightly-raced four-year-old, and having returned to racing from his break in fantastic order, Addiction To Rock appears to be in for an exciting campaign. To be informed of where Addiction To Rock or any of the other Trackside Racing runners will be running next, simply sign up as a “fan” on the website.
An exciting weekend for the Trackside Racing team looms, as the stable star Go The Knuckle takes on Australia’s Champion sprinter Black Caviar in the $500,000 Group 1 Goodwood at Morphettville.
Regards,
Daniel Borg
Trackside Media