With the formidable Victorian stable training the quinella of the Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m), the Ciaron Maher stable has had a fruitful trip to Tasmania. Declan Bates revoked the $6 betting app opportunity. Strawberry Rock, who enjoyed a true staying test set by Goldman, won by a head after Bates defeated stablemate Promises Kept ($3) in the straight. Alhambra Lad ($18) finished ¾ of a length behind Strawberry Rock in third place. Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull claimed that Strawberry Rock, an eight-year-old former import who had only won two races in Australia—both at benchmark 78 level—had the ideal storm. “Strawberry Rock enjoys races like that where there’s there’s a pressure from one way out,” Turnbull said.”
He pursues things. He appears to float a little if he does get at the front too quickly. Promises Kept was strong; he was only defeated by a superior horse who was marginally superior to him at the weights. Turnbull stated that both horses will get another chance to meet in the Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m) on February 26th after Promises Kept defeated Strawberry Rock in the Listed Summer Cup (2200m), a significant local lead-up. Turnbull remarked, “Briony has done a fantastic job; she has been with the horses for the past month, and these two geldings have really flourished at the beach this prep. Full credit to the team.”
Strawberry Rock’s staying power was just too powerful that day, according to jockey Declan Bates.”Even though the small field there appeared to have a couple that might roll along, we talked coming into it, so that worked out to be the case,” Bates stated. “I thought I was going to win the race from the top of the straight, but even when you’re riding one of Ciaron’s other horses, it’s difficult to pass them.” Bates indicated that he would be happy to fly interstate with the backing of the top training operation in order to return for the Launceston Cup. I adore visiting this area; it’s a stunning region of the planet. I’m heading down to ride for Ciaron in them, and it’s great to get the call in these good races. It’s a great position to be in, so if the phone rings again I won’t be saying no.”
