Rockdale Romps Home in TJ Smith

Karaka graduate Rockdale (NZ) (Danroad x Komplete Kaos, by Desert Sun) has stopped Fravashi's winning streak in�its tracks with an all the way win in the Group 1 A$500,000 TJ Smith (1600m) at Eagle Farm this afternoon.

Placed twice in his previous three starts, including behind Fravashi in the Group 2 QTC Sires' Produce last weekend, the exciting son of Danroad went to the lead early and, despite a bold chase by Fravashi and Baci Amore in the closing stages, held on to his lead at the post.

Rockdale was purchased by his trainer, astute Queensland buyer John Morrisey, at the burgeoning New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale for $135,000. The colt is now raced by Gundaroo Stud.

Rockdale's sire, Danroad, has had�four individual winners from just ten starters. A fast son of Danehill, he was a six-time winner, including at Group 2 level at two, and the second leading colt on the 2001 New Zealand Two-Year-Old Free Handicaps. He now stands alongside Align and Kashani at Brent & Louise Gillovic's Highview Stud.

Rockdale is the first New Zealand bred horse to win the TJ Smith since Darci Brahma's victory in 2005. He brings New Zealand Bloodstock's tally of Group 1 winning graduates to 18 for the season.