The David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Firehouse Rock appreciated the step up in journey, winning The Inglis Ready2Race Sale Bonus (1700m) at Caulfield on Saturday, earning connections the $100,000 Inglis Race Series Bonus.
The Group 1 Victoria Derby bound three-year-old coltFirehouse Rock (Fastnet Rock x Bird Of Fire)was a $450,000 purchase by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and McKeever Bloodstock from the draft of Esker Lodge at the 2013 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Settling handy in the run, jockey Nick Hall allowed his mount to travel where comfortable and when the home turn was reached, the colt started to make his run. Hitting the lead at the 100m mark, although Firehouse Rock's victory was narrow, it was the fight and determination he showed that would've pleased his connections.
With the $100,000 Inglis Bonus, as well as the added Super VOBIS, the connections of Firehouse Rock took home over $170,000 for the victory.
With co-trainer David Hayes indicating that the colt is on the path to the Derby, Firehouse Rock is aiming to become the third successive Inglis graduate to take out the Blue Riband event after the victories ofPolanski (Rakti x Citrium)in 2013 andFiveandahalfstar (Hotel Grand x Cryptic Miss)in 2012.
Post-race, co-trainer David Hayes was thankful of the lucrative bonuses on offer, stating, "The $100,000 Bonus is wonderful. He was an expensive yearling, but he is going to get a good return on his investment today."
Jockey Nick Hall was also suitably impressed with the winning performance of the three-year-old. When asked if he had a good opinion of the colt, Hall stated "Yeah, absolutely, he's going the right way for a Derby."
The next Inglis Bonus on offer will be set for Cox Plate day on October 25 with the running of the Inglis Banner, the first event in the $5 million Inglis Race Series for 2014 Sales graduates - for information on the race please clickhere.
Inglis Release
