Rock N Roll Doo (NZ) Shows Staying Power in Brilliant Kilmore Cup Win
27 September 2022
Rock N Roll Doo (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven) gave his connections a massive reason to book their tickets to the Group One New Zealand Cup after producing a commanding win in the A$80,000 Group Two Kilmore Pacing Cup (2690m).
The star NZB Standardbred graduate won back-to-back Group victories when clearing out from his rivals in a brilliant front-running display for trainer-driver Michael Stanley on Friday night.
Bred and offered by John McKenzie’s Kelvin Home Holdings, Rock N Roll Doo was purchased by Brendan and Anne James of BFJ Bloodstock at the 2019 National Yearling Sale in Christchurch for just $14,000.
Down the back straight the final time, Stanley unleashed Rock N Roll Doo and the pacer reeled off a stunning 26.7sec 400 metre split.
That brilliant burst of speed may have broken his rivals’ hearts, but it did nothing to stop Rock N Roll Doo from powering to the line in a brilliant staying performance.
“Once we straightened up, away he went and he really went through the line strongly,” Michael Stanley said.
“It’s a good asset coming into the bigger races, to have a horse that can race really strongly over the trip or if need be, come with one run.”
Rock N Roll is ranked in the top four favourites in betting for the Group One New Zealand Cup in early November.
Owner Brendan James is now facing the prospect of starting a genuine winning threat in New Zealand’s greatest race after his horse’s Kilmore Cup victory.
That will mean a return trip to Christchurch, where the Australian owner first saw and then purchased Rock N Roll Doo.
“I’d never have thought I’d have a horse good enough to be in a Kilmore Cup let alone win it,” James said.
“We’re privileged to have a horse like Rock N Roll Doo, privileged to have Mick train and drive him the way he does.
“Hopefully we can continue to manage him and look after him.”
Rock N Roll Doo took his earnings past A$200,000 with his Kilmore Cup win, the 11th victory of his very promising career.
| Consignor | Kelvin Home Holdings |
| Purchaser | BFJ Bloodstock |
| Breeding | Rock N Roll Heaven x Long Live Lana |
| Sale | 2019 Christchurch Yearling Sale, $14,000 |
| Breeder | Kelvin Home Holdings |