Opening his three year old season, Betterthancheddar three year old Bottle Rock won on his home course of Wyndham today.
Trained by Russell Ferguson, Bottle Rock was purchased at the 2017 Sale of the Stars in Christchurch for $16,000.
"He's part way there in paying for himself. I liked his breeding. He was out of a three win Mach Three mare. That took my fancy and I went back and had a look at her races and she'd won nice enough. He was a nice cut of a horse," he said.
Bottle Rock is out of Warp Speed whose third dam is Burgundy Lass, the mother of Il Vicolo the winner of 26 races. It's also the same family as Stunin Cullen and Gotta Go Cullen.
Last season he had four starts as a two year old chasing home horses like War Dan Delight, Another Masterpiece, A Better Act and Memphis Tennessee.
"We were chasing some good ones last year. He held his own and I was super happy with him last season."
The gelding then had a three month break and prior to his start today he'd won both his workouts.
From gate six driver Craig Ferguson slotted him into the one one. With 600 metres to run he was sent forward to challenge leader Flaming Jim. In a close finish Bottle Rock held on to beat Flaming Jim by a neck with a late charging The Mighty Cullen a half a length back in third.
Bottle Rock (6) beating Flaming Jim (13) and The Mighty Cullen (9) – Photo Bruce Stewart
"I was super happy because they ran the first mile in 1-56. Craig had him in a real nice pozy and I knew that pulling him out and sprinting would be his go. Craig said he was waiting for them a bit at the end – he's still a bit green."
Russell Ferguson who owns Bottle Rock with his wife Susan, says a race at Ascot Park is the gelding's next target.
"There's a Nuggets race at Invercargill on the 23rd (November) so that will probably be his next start. I like that series and we had a bit of luck in it last year so we'll try and follow the same path this year."
Ferguson won a $12,000 Nuggets Final at Winton last season with Ardtoo. But the Auckland Reactor gelding won't be seen this season. He's recovering from a minor suspensory tear.
Bruce Stewart