Zero makes 37 stakeswinners for Danzero
Cracking 5YO sprinter Zero Rock became Danzero ‘s 37th individual stakeswinner when she won today’s $75,000 Tattersall’s Classic 1200m LR at Eagle Farm. It was the grand mare’s ninth win from 17 starts – she has only twice finished further back than fourth, and has been twice stakes-placed – and took her prizemoney close to $500,000.
Bred and raced by David Devine, Zero Rock (ex Broc ‘n’ Roll by Brocco) started hot favourite in today’s race after comfortably winning her campaign opener two weeks ago. This time she began somewhat tardily, but soon powered to the front where she stayed all the way to the line, despite a determined finish from Phenomenal Lass.
Zero Rock is the second new stakeswinner by Danzero this season, after Hidden Wonder, a similarly consistent and genuine mare, who won last month’s Gosford RC Belle of the Turf S. LR.
Zero Rock’s path to success and popularity has been far from smooth. As a foal she was stood on and almost killed by her mother; then a virus threatened her life; and earlier this year, she ended all hopes of a Brisbane winter campaign when she slipped and hurt herself.
Her trainer Kelso Wood has previously revealed to Racing and Sports that he considered a trip to Melbourne with her for the MRC Thousand Guineas G1 two years ago and believes “she’s capable of winning a Group One somewhere.”
Quite apart from her evident ability, and Danzero’s record of 7 Group One winners, Zero Rock’s distaff pedigree offers plenty of evidence to support such an ambition. She’s from the family of triple Oaks winner November Rain, multiple Group winner Stormhill and Group 1-winning 2YO San Luis (by Flying Spur ). Current performer Dubleanny is another fine flag-bearer for this family, and counts the 2010 VRC A.R. Creswick S. LR among her five victories.
Zero Rock is now likely to repeat last summer’s campaign, and may line up in next Saturday’s BRC George Moore S. G3, before a tilt at the $400,000 GCTC Magic Millions Cup in January.
One of Australia’s most valuable proven sires, Danzero is represented by 20 yearlings in the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast catalogue, including two fillies and a colt in the Arrowfield draft . That trio includes a full-sister to last Saturday’s impressive Rosehill winner, the 3YO filly Pyrography.
