Gold Front Thoroughbreds received another timely update for its Perth Magic Millions consignment when Rock ‘N’ The Jam won second time out in the TABtouch Hcp (1400m) at Ascot.

Rock ‘N’ The Jam (3g Awesome Rock – Latakia Friars by Blackfriars) had debuted with a flashing-light fourth in a 3yo maiden won by Deel Her In (Dundeel) at Pinjarra last month.  He eased from $6.50 to $11 in a capacity field that day and the writing was on the wall for a breakthrough on Saturday.

Horcrux (Rommel) assumed control out of the gates from Battle Commander (Rommel) while Rock ‘N’ The Jam received the run of the race right behind the leader.  Battle Commander was the first horse beaten in the straight and that allowed Rock ‘N’ The Jam enough room to ease off the fence and cruise past Horcrux to score by over a length.

Rock ‘N’ The Jam was bred and sold by Gold Front Thoroughbreds owners Alan and Sue Olive and was a $47,500 buy for trainer Russell Stewart at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Sale.  “That was so impressive.  What more can I say?” Stewart remarked following a win that could well be the catalyst for a classic campaign in the autumn.

“I don’t like making predictions on race day and we will let the dust settle before making any serious plans.  That was only his second day at the races and he’s gone from a maiden to Saturday company.  He also worked off the charts with Stylish Lord this week.  He’s a quality 3yo but we will take it one race at a time.”

Long-term, Stewart could be forgiven looking ahead to the G2 WATC Derby (2400m) at Ascot on April 19.  Gold Front resident Awesome Rock (Fastnet Rock) sired Awesome John to win the G2 WA Derby in 2023.

Rock ‘N’ The Jam has already earned $85,500 including a Westspeed Bonus of $40,700.  He’s owned by Stewart’s wife Antonella and sons James and Kye in a partnership that includes well-known industry figures Joe Silvestri and Neil Irvine.

Winning jockey Steve Parnham missed Rock ‘N’ The Jam’s debut but had been closely associated with the youngster.  “He’s a talented horse and came off that first-up run with a lot of improvement,” Parnham said.  “We got all the favours today and then he toughed it out.”

Gold Front Thoroughbreds bred him from Latakia Friars who is a half-sister to G1 ATC Champagne Stakes (1600m) winner Carry On Cutie (More Than Ready).  She had won a Bunbury maiden over 2000m for the Olives during a sole prep as an autumn 3yo in 2017.

Her 2yo is an unraced Awesome Rock filly named Black Obsidian with Ascot trainer Jayce Buckley and her yearling is a colt by Awesome Rock.

Gold Front has entered 16 yearlings for next month’s Perth Magic Millions including 7 by Awesome Rock (Fastnet Rock) highlighted by the colt out of Society Gal (Lot 134).  He’s a full-brother to Red Sun Sensation (G3 SAJC Chairman’s Stakes) and Rocking Society who completed an Ascot hat-trick for trainer Jason Miller earlier this month.

He’s also a half-brother to LR Belmont Oaks (2400m) winner Chili Is Hot (Gingerbread Man).