Coolmore's champion sire Fastnet Rock sired his 150th stakes-winner on Saturday when progressive three year-old Sherwood Forest won the Group III War Decree stakes at Riccarton in New Zealand.
Sherwood Forest been touted as a serious contender for the Group I Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in a fortnight and his admirers would have been well satisfied with his latest performance.
Settled well back by rider Troy Harris after missing away slightly at the jump, the Tony Pike-trained galloper was still spotting the leaders a conservative six lengths as the field approached the home bend.
Harris peeled Sherwood Forest to the centre of the track where a few huge bounds carried him to the front before he stalled off all challengers to win the one mile feature by a length.
Pike stable representative Dean Williams was delighted with the run as a final lead-up to the upcoming Group I challenge.
“It is fair to say I was a bit nervous when he was slow away,” Williams said.
“Troy got him some cover and then plenty of clear air and he was a touch too good for them.
“We are down here now; he is well and we know he loves the mile.”
TAB Bookmakers responded by tightening Sherwood Forest into an $8 second favourite for the 2000 Guineas.
A $100,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Coolmore draft for New Zealand Bloodstock, Sherwood Forest has won two of six starts and was foaled and raised at Coolmore.
A full brother to stakes-winner Royal Ocean, he is from Chasing Mammon, a half-sister by Giant’s Causeqay to stakes-winner Zelsnitz from the family of dual Group I winner and leading sire Holy Roman Emperor.
Chasing Mammon has a yearling colt by Starspangledbanner and has foaled this spring producing a colt by Fastnet Rock’s champion son Merchant Navy.
150th SW for Champion sire Fastnet Rock
Advertisment
Race Result - War Decree Stakes Gr3 1600m
Riccarton Park Track: Dead(6) Time: 1:38.39
Tnr: A W Pike Rdr: T N Harris 56.5
Tnr: M & M Pitman Rdr: K Chowdhoory 56.5
Tnr: M & M Pitman Rdr: S R Weatherley 54.5
Tnr: Andrew Carston Rdr: C W Johnson 54.5
Tnr: K & I Taplin Rdr: J J Fawcett 54.5
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: A Comignaghi 54.5
Tnr: J W Richards Rdr: J D Laking 56.5
Tnr: K & A Tyler Rdr: C A Campbell 56.5
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: S L Wynne 56.5
Tnr: S R Autridge Rdr: T R Moseley 54.5
Tnr: K & A Tyler Rdr: K Asano 54.5
Tnr: N F Ridley Rdr: L Callaway 54.5
Tnr: J G Bary Rdr: Ms K Williams 54.5
More Reading...
$1million Fastnet Rock Colt Chasing Karaka Million 3YO
Victorian trainer David Hayes will be in New Zealand later this week as he puts the finishing touches on three-year-old colt Conqueror ahead of Saturday’s $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m).
Stallion Syndicate Purchase $725,000 Too Darn Hot Colt
Too Darn Hot (GB) covered the best book of mares in the country last spring and his only yearling to be offered in the opening session of Magic Millions on Tuesday was duly snapped up by China Horse Club/Newgate & Partners for $725,000.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
Three heats at the Rosehill trials on Tuesday morning were won by juveniles that included an unraced filly by Home Affairs and we also had a first look at the half-brother to $4million earner Lindermann.
2026 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Field and Barrier Draw
The field and barrier draw is out for the $3million Magic Millions 2YO Classic with all of the chances drawing positively including race favourite Warwoven in barrier six.
Milestone for Fastnet Rock
Champion sire Fastnet Rock clocked up his 100th Graded stakes-winner at the weekend in the US when five year-old entire Desert Stone captured the Group II San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita.
Hot Lots Day 1 – Magic Millions
All eyes will be on the Gold Coast on Tuesday when the first day of selling for the 2026 Magic Millions yearling sale gets underway with 210 lots catalogued.
Godolphin Make Their Move
The first two days at Magic Millions were without a Godolphin purchase, but they moved swiftly in the first hour of trade on Friday to secure two fillies by Fastnet Rock and Snitzel for $600,000 each.
$1,050,000 I Am Invincible Filly for Avantage
Nine time Group I winning Fastnet Rock mare Avantage was a champion on the racetrack and her progeny are proving highly desirable in the sale ring with her third foal, a lovely filly by I Am Invincible, selling for $1,050,000 at Magic Millions on Tuesday.
David Ellis Strikes Early at Magic Millions
David Ellis of Te Akau Racing has a great track record purchasing from Magic Millions having secured Group I winning Snitzel 2YO’s Return to Conquer and Sword of State from past foray’s to the Gold Coast and he struck early on Tuesday securing a Snitzel filly for $500,000.
Sires With Winners - Monday January 12
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.