Rocking Into A Good Weekend

The stable has been in great form of late - both in New Zealand and Australia; Mr Impatience a tough winner of the Wellington Cup last weekend whilst locally we have been represented by three winners in the last week - Daniela Rosa, Lord Disick and at Ballarat on Wednesday Courageous Rock.

Beautifully steered by Anthony Boyd from the outside gate to get to outside the leader by the first turn, Courageous Rock (pictured) was always travelling well - joining the lead early in the straight and getting clear to win by an impressive 2 1/4 lengths.

It has been a good campaign for the consistent import who has raced seven times since the spring, winning three times.

Relishing the step up to 2200m at Ballarat, Courageous Rock did a great job under the steadier of 61kg, conceding the runner up 5kg.

"He is 16hh and built like the proverbial brick-house," Greg Hoysted joked, "so he is good at carrying weight!"

Boyd, who thanked Michael Moroney for "being such a big supporter," said that Courageous Rock was going so well in the running that "I had a big smile on my face."

"He had such an easy run and he didn't get out of second gear in the run home, it was a soft win."

Raced by a big group headed by Ballymore Stables (Australia), Courageous Rock was purchased by Paul Moroney at the 2012 Tattersalls October Sale at Newmarket. He is a son of the Santa Anita Handicap winner Rock Hard Ten and the stakes placed Ascot Knight mare To The Brim who has also produced the stakes winners Duff and Bold Curlin.

Hopefully our winning run continues over the weekend as we take two of our best to Flemington - Alaskan Rose and Yesterday's Songs.

Having her first start since the spring, Alaskan Rose has drawn nicely in the Andrew Guy Handicap and whilst the 1100m may prove a bit short for her, we are looking forward to a bold showing from the classy daughter of Encosta de Lago.

"She has come back in great order," Anthony Feroce enthused, adding that "she strengthened nicely during her break."

"And she has trialled nicely down the straight in the past."

Yesterday's Songs is also first up, the Listed Kensington Stakes his summer/autumn carnival kick off.

"He looks the best he has ever looked, " Feroce said - "he has matured now. He has had a faultless preparation. The 1000m may be a little short for him but we are looking for a strong finish."

At Geelong on Sunday we have a couple of nice types contesting the 1430m maiden; Burhan and Moqwao.

"Both are nice staying types in the making," said Feroce

A son of Zabeel who had his first start in August, given plenty of time since, Burhan has had a couple of jump-outs in readiness whilst Moqwao by Stravinsky is a horse who "looks like he will be suited over a bit of ground."