Natalie Rasmussen knows better than to try and dance with the devil, so you won’t see Heaven Rock’s straying too far from the nest for the next few months.
The massive pacer with the big motor and even bigger bag of tricks was simply stunning when winning last night's (Saturday) Group One $100,000 Easter Cup at Addington after blowing the stand start and while he showed his best work for about 3100 metres of the 3200 metres, Rasmussen couldn’t help but ponder what could be if he was a little more tractable.
“He’s very, very good, there’s no doubting that,” she said.
“But he’s also a big orangutan.”
While there must be some temptation to go and take on the best in Australasia with such an exciting talent, Rasmussen, and her training partner, Mark Purdon are more inclined to stick to the proven and keep Heaven Rocks around the Rolleston base and make a bid at a second Jewels success.
“I don’t think at this stage, with some of his mannerism, sending him away would be the best thing for him.
“He’s getting better, but he’s still a ratbag and you certainly couldn’t leave him with someone, so we are better keeping him close by where we can manage, and handle him.”
That news will likely result in a shot at the Rangiora Classic in a couple of weeks before the Jewels preparation.
Becoming a dual, Jewels winners became a bit easier on Saturday night with Purdon officially withdrawing superstar Lazarus from the big race day.
Heaven Rocks has now won eight of his 14 starts and took his earnings past $200,000 on Saturday night for his connections; Phil and Glenys Kennard, Phil and Margaret Creighton, Gavin Douglas and Kevin Riseley.
After missing away from the stand start, he settled quickly into his work and Rasmussen took any further bad luck out of the equation and launched her way to the lead within the first 500 metres.
“He relaxed back to me really well which is a good thing because he can pull.
“He got a bit keen when the bell went at the mile marker, but again came back to me really well and was just travelling super from there on.”
They stopped the clock in a slick 3:58.7 with Captain Dolmio emerging from the ruck to run a valiant second while North Island visitor Maxim was a very good third.
Saturday was another good night out for the All Stars with wins coming from Elle Mac, Golden Goddess and Spankem to sit alongside Heaven Rocks.
Two Brad’s enjoyed good night’s out with Brad Williamson driving his first Group race winner with Springbank Lachie who was stunning on debut in the New Zealand Two-Year-Old Trotting Stakes while Brad Mowbray grabbed himself a double with Ultimate Desire and Delishka.
Matt Markham
