Pedigree Pointers with Gareth Downey – Rock N Pop Rolling On

Gareth Downey

We are frequently hearing from trainers with progeny of Rock N Pop that they are really happy with what they are seeing, and that they will just benefit from more time.  These comments are looking like being spot on, as we have been seeing some good momentum building with the Rock N Pop progeny in the last couple of months.

In the last week alone, there have been two winners by Rock N Pop.  They both produced really nice efforts that showed quality and determination – and, in doing so, they both joined the list of multiple race winners sired by Rock N Pop so far.  These winners were:

  • The Macallan – Won over 1400m at Avondale and took his record to 2 wins from 4 starts
  • Boomtown Rat – Won over 1600m at Gosford and took his record to 2 wins and 2 placings from 7 starts

As we all start looking at planning our matings for next season, it is useful to look at the successful patterns emerging for the sires we are considering using.  In the case of Rock N Pop, the patterns that have emerged so far in the pedigrees of his 8 winners are as follow:

Mares carrying Diesis – 2 winners at the rate of 3.0 starts/win

  • Paris Rock – 3 wins from 4 starts, and placed 4th in the Gr.3 Vanity
  • Refresh – Winner in Singapore

Mares carrying Lord Ballina – 2 winners at the rate of 3.3 starts/win

  • The Mayor – 2 wins from 7 starts, and placed 4th in the Gr.1 NZ Derby
  • The Macallan – As above

Mares by Stravinsky – 2 winners at the rate of 5.5 starts/win

  • Rock ‘n’ Affair – 1 win from 3 starts
  • Refresh – As above

Mares carrying Centaine – 2 winners at the rate of 8.0 starts/win

  • The Macallan – As above
  • Telecom Man – Winner in Hong Kong

Mares by O’Reilly – 2 winners at the rate of 11.3 starts/win

  • Gold Spice – 1 win and 2 placings from 5 starts, including a 2nd placing in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase
  • Boomtown Rat – As above

If you would like to discuss your mating plans when considering Rock N Pop or the rest of our stallion line-up at Waikato Stud, please get in touch via either gareth@waikatostud.co.nz or 021 433 073

Recent News
10 May 2025

Super Seth strikes twice at Caulfield

Saturday at Caulfield saw the sire on fire, Super Seth, notch up a double on the nine-race card. First off the mark was the impeccably bred three-year-old filly Madiyya, who recorded her first metropolitan win …

Read More
30 April 2025

Waikato Stud’s eagerly awaited fees announced for 2025

A mix of proven and up-and-coming sires sees fees for Waikato Stud’s six-strong roster set for the 2025 season, once again headlined by the NZ Hall of Fame inductee-in-waiting Savabeel. Alongside him stands second-season sire sensation Super Seth, emerging force Ardrossan, proven Group 1 producer Ocean Park, exciting first-season sire Noverre and a sire-in-waiting Banquo rounding out the formidable lineup.

Read More