Pedigree Pointers with Gareth Downey

After having run a good 2nd in his first up run for this preparation, Rock Island Line became the 9th individual winner for Rock ‘n’ Pop when scoring an impressive and dominant win at Tauherenikau yesterday.

As Lisa Latta confirmed after the race, he has really improved as he has strengthened and matured. Lisa also describes him as a very promising horse who will go through the grades.

These comments are so consistent with what the trainers of the Rock ‘n’ Pop progeny continue to tell us, so
we keep looking forward to more of his progeny joining the winner’s list as they continue to mature.

Rock Island Line himself carries two pedigree patterns that are emerging for Rock ‘n’ Pop – both being patterns showing better than the overall average success rate for Rock ‘n’ Pop:

Mares Carrying Success Express
There have only been 2 runners bred on this pattern and they have both now been winners. The other winner
is the Hong Kong winner Telecom Man

Mares Carrying Sir Tristram
Rock ‘n’ Pop is himself out of a Sir Tristram are and he is now showing above average results when being mated with mares carrying another strain of this great stallion. Apart from Rock Island Line, the other winners carrying this pattern so far have been The Mayor (2 wins and 4th in the Gr.1 NZ Derby), Telecom Man (Hong Kong winner) and Rock N Affair (very impressive winner at her 2nd start)

If you would like discuss your mating plans for the upcoming season, and your pursuit of successful pedigree patterns, please get in touch via gareth@waikatostud.co.nz or +64 21 433 073.