ROCKER BAND DELIVERS IN SLICK AUCKLAND WIN
Rocker Band, despite giving Samantha Ottley a difficult drive, shook off her Alexandra Park hoodoo with a slick win in a 1:54.9 mile rate (1700m) at Auckland on Friday, November 4, 2016.
The well-performed racemare was rewarded at her ninth start right-handed at Auckland when taking out the the $13,999 Movenpick Mile (1700m) in the open in 2:01.4.
Northern mare Better Be Amazed holds the NZ mares record for the trip at 1:59.9 (1:53.5 mile rate), set at Auckland in April.
Rocker Band and Sam Ottley assert their superiority over late closer Bronze Over (wide) and Ideal Belle in the Movenpick Mile (1700m) at Auckland on November 4. (Trish Dunell photo).
Rocker Band, winner of the $150,000 Harness Jewels 4YO Mares Diamond at Cambridge last June in 1:53.3, had recovered well after missing away from stand starts in her two lead-up Auckland starts last month.
Her best previous placing at Auckland was a second from the seven gate to Lusty Mac in the Listed $40,000 Magness Benrow Northern Mares Classic at Alexandra Park in March when the winner rated 1:56.7 (2200m).
However, her added experience right-handed on this campaign while based with the Barry Purdon team at Clevedon will benefit her for next month’s target, the Group One $100,000 Rosslands Queen Of Hearts at Auckland on December 16.
Trainer Mark Jones said it was great to get the win with Rocker Band, which also provided regular driver Sam Ottley with her first Alexandra Park win.
“All credit goes to Barry Purdon (caretaker trainer). He has got her flying and in career best form,” Mark said.
Rocker Band, the 5YO daughter of Rocknroll Hanover and 2005 New Zealand Cup winner Mainland Banner (only 4YO mare to win a NZ Cup), was third last on settling from the six gate.
She hung inwards when Sam made her moved three wide beginning the final 900m, improving to be parked at the 700m, then hung again when the speed went on at the 300m.
However, once she balanced up for the run home she showed her toughness, lifting to wear down leader Ideal Belle, with Bronze Over finished well late to grab second.
Rocker Band, raced by Southport (Gold Coast) owner Greg Brodie, won comfortably in the end by three-quarters of a length, with the leaders wasting no time over their last 800m in 55.5s and final 400m in 27.7s.
This was her 10th win from 28 starts, taking her earnings to $174,709 for Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones.
By Jeff Scott