The future linage of the former champion sire Danehill took on another serious chapter at Caulfield on Saturday when first his four-year-old entire Elvstroem won the Group II St George Stakes (refer separate report) to add further black type to an already superior pedigree, and then his three-year-old colt Fastnet Rock claimed the $350,000, Group I, Oakleigh Plate (1100m).

Elvstroem`s win was under weight-for-age conditions and Fastnet Rock`s win was under handicap conditions, and the colt carried 57kg to win, having been given 1.5kg more than the next weighted horse Taikun on 55.5kg.

Fastnet Rock, trained by Paul Perry and ridden by Glen Boss, came into the race from a win in the Lightning Stakes down 1000m of the Flemington straight. On that occasion he beat the Hong Kong sprinter Cape Of Good Hope who subsequently won the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley and then returned to Hong Kong for another battle against Silent Witness on Sha Tin on Sunday.

Boss settled Fastnet Rock in mid-field with Don`t Tell Tom leading the field into the straight. Boss went wide and they were nearly 4L from the leader at the 300m. With 200m to run Lilando was leading but the colt was gaining momentum and quickly it was apparently that he was not going to be beaten.

Boss had been stroking the whip down the side of Fastnet Rock over the final 150m, without having to give any further direction to the colt such was his power in the running. Once past the line the jockey waved the whip in salute which was deserved as the colt had put up a top performance under a big weight.

Segments was second with Legally Bay third. The margins were a long neck and a neck. The time was 1.02.58, the last 600m in 34.47.

Fastnet Rock was the favourite at $3.10, Segments started at $151, Legally Bay at $17.

"He had a bit of work to do but it was a damm good effort," said Perry.

"He looked good going to the line for such a young horse.

"The weight was a concern," he said.

Perry said that he was not concerned with what weight Fastnet Rock would be allocated in the $1m, Group I, Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 12th.

"I cannot be concerned with that as it all depends on the nominations and they can work it out from there," he said.

"He is a freak horse," said Boss.

There will be comparisons now with Choisir, who was also trained by Perry, and who went onto group glory at Ascot before retiring to stud at Coolmore. Fastnet Rock, owned by the Coolmore management and associates, will be attempting to raid the northern hemisphere in the same manner and he just might be stronger and tougher than the trail blazer. May and June will have much interest should the colt complete the trip.

Fastnet Rock (ex Piccadilly Circus, by Royal Academy) has raced 17 times for six wins and seven places.

Thoroughbrednews