3 minute read
Adam Hyeronimus has delivered Tulloch Lodge the first leg of an early double aboard Rock Empire.
The decision to knock back some substantial overseas offers for Rock Empire has gone some way to being vindicated after the colt made an impressive winning debut at Randwick's Kensington track.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott said the horse's breeder and owner Kerri Patterson showed tremendous faith in the son of Deep Field by keeping him in Australia and he expected that decision to be rewarded long-term.
"I was a bit relieved because off his trial and being by Deep Field, we got some big offers off Hong Kong after the trial," Bott said.
"Kerri knocked them back to come here so she's backed herself and she's got a nice colt.
"He has shown plenty of ability from a young age, he has just been quite a big, raw type of horse who has taken time to mature.
"He's a fabulous type of colt and I think there is plenty of upside there."
Rock Empire camped outside the lead in Wednesday's TAB Plate (1300m) before quickening smartly for Adam Hyeronimus and careering away to defeat Wild Flash by 2-3/4 lengths.
Bott is unsure of immediate plans for Rock Empire but has no doubt he is stakes class.
"I wanted to get today over with first," he said.
"But being the type of horse he is, we'll aim up at some black-type in time with him."
The stable produced another promising three-year-old winner a race later when Tropical Squall outclassed her Ole Kirk @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1400m) rivals to remain unbeaten after two starts.
It followed a midweek win at Canterbury in June and Bott said she could now link in with the better fillies for the final two legs of the Princess Series, starting with the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) on Saturday week.
Longer-term, the Victorian Oaks is on the table.
"I certainly think she'll stay given her breeding, so it's a good sign she is showing the speed she is at present," Bott said.
"Whether we link into the Princess Series here first and then look at a couple of those options, we'll assess at the back of today."
"We'll have a relatively quick turnaround to a race like the Tea Rose, but when she gets back to her age group and gets out in trip, I think she's going to be very well placed."
Tropical Squall was partnered by Rachel King, who was taken by the filly's performance.
"I gave her one little tap with the stick and put it away, I was scared I was going to break the speed limit," King said.
"She quickened up really well. To do that first-up, 1400, she was the ultimate professional, she relaxed, she did everything right in the run and she's just got class about her."
