LETHAL ROCKET SOLD TO NSW
The Overport Lodge team has farewelled tight class pacer Lethal Rocket, who has been sold to clients of Darren Hancock’s stable in New South Wales.
The 6YO Pacific Rocket-Shesa Vance gelding furthered a strong career record for trainer Mark Jones over the last two years.
“He was sold because of lack of suitable races for him with the NZ handicapping system,” Mark said.
“If we brought him up again next season he would have to race the best in races like the Hannon Memorial and Ashburton Flying Stakes.”
Lethal Rocket began his career with a bang four years ago, winning the $117,000 Northern Hemisphere Time 2YO Open Pace first-up at Auckland for former Ellesmere trainer Dean Taylor with Mark at the helm.
He won the $20,000 Waikouaiti Cup on February 13, third in the Wyndham Cup two weeks later, and was a head second to Sleepy Tripp in the Cheviot Cup in early March.
Lethal Rocket was driven by catch-driver Blair Orange to upset Code Red and top 3YO Gold Ace for his last NZ win at Addington at the Reefton meeting there on April 15 in 3:17.5 for the stand start 2600m.
His last NZ placing was a third behind Power Of Tara and Nearea Franco in a 1:59 mile rate over 2600m in a $25,000 free-for-all at Addington on April 23.
Lethal Rocket, at his best when saved for one run, has raced 60 times for seven wins and 19 placings, earning $158,104 in stakes.