WELL BRED Victorian filly Rock Robster made an auspicious Tasmanian debut when she scored an impressive win in the PFD Food Services Tasmanian oaks over 2100 metres at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston tonight.
The David Hayes-trained filly was having her first try beyond 1750 metres but she confirmed what her trainer had predicted by outstaying her rivals.
The race was run at a solid tempo with Strutt Stakes winner Temper Tantrum able to lead from her inside date while Gee Gee’s La Quita raced at her girth for most of the race.
But when the pressure was applied turning for home Temper Tantrum wilted while the Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained filly Khandallah swept to the lead and booted clear.
But when former New Zealand rider Michael Walker called on Rock Robster (Fastnet Rock-Chinese Whispers) for the supreme effort in the straight she responded magnificently and went on to defeat Khandallah with local fillies Visual Effects and Oxy Angel close-up.
Hayes stable assistant trainer Gary Fennessey was delighted with the win and predicts a bright future for the daughter of Fastnet Rock
Listen to what assistant trainer Gary Fennessey told Peter Staples after Rock Robster’s impressive Tasmanian Oaks win – click here .