Million dollar colt Rock ‘n’ Pop staked his claim as New Zealand’s leading three-year-old with a determined victory in the NZB Insurance Karaka 3YO Mile at Ellerslie on Sunday.
Rock ‘n’ Pop (3c Fastnet Rock – Popsy by Sir Tristram) settled well and looked to have the race under control when he cruised to the lead in the straight. But he was headed by Mosh Pit (Scaredee Cat) and had to dig deep for a short head win.
Last year’s Karaka Million winner Fort Lincoln (Charge Forward) ran a good third.
Rock ‘n’ Pop claimed the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas in November and is one of the leading chances heading into the G1 New Zealand Derby on March 3.
The colt was purchased from Esker Lodge by Jayven See at the NZB 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $1 million. He is a three-quarter-brother to stakes winning mare Lilakyn (Danehill).
His dam Popsy (Sir Tristram) won a G1 New Zealand Derby and she has been a leading mare at the NZB Karaka sales ring with 9 yearlings making an average price of over $500,000.