An exciting weekend looms for Westbury Stud stallion El Roca, with his progeny set to take centre stage at Ellerslie in what shapes as an exciting start to the new season for the proven sire.
Ellerslie will host the prestigious Group 1 Proisir Plate on Saturday, and El Roca will be doubly represented in a star-studded field that includes the unbeaten mare Well Written. In a race brimming with established black-type horses alongside the next generation of rising talent, El Roca’s runners will be looking to stamp their authority at the elite level and further enhance their sire’s growing reputation as a source of high-quality, tough and competitive performers.
Adding further intrigue to the programme, Karaka Million heroine Dream Roca is poised to make her highly anticipated three-year-old debut on the undercard. The exciting daughter of El Roca will step out in the Group 3 Sunline Vase, a renowned springboard for fillies targeting classic honours later in the season.
Dream Roca’s brilliant juvenile victory in the Karaka Million showcased her speed, professionalism and sharp turn of foot—hallmarks so often associated with El Roca’s stock. Dream Roca recently returned to New Zealand from her Queensland base and trainer, while trainer Liam Birchley feels she is forward enough to run well. He expects her to make good progress following the outing and is looking positively towards the filly’s three-year-old campaign.
Further underlining the strength and depth of El Roca’s current crop, talented mare Perfumist was an impressive trial winner at Warwick Farm yesterday for Bjorn Baker. The daughter of El Roca scored a dominant 4.5-length victory, cruising clear of her rivals in a stylish display that signalled she is close to returning to her best form.
Her trial effort suggested she has returned in excellent order and is ready to add to her record in the coming weeks, providing another exciting Australian flagbearer for her in-form sire.
With key runners at both Group 1 and Group 3 level on one of New Zealand’s premier race days, and emerging talents like Perfumist ready to step out across the Tasman, this weekend offers a significant opportunity for El Roca to further highlight his impact and versatility as a sire.
From high-pressure juvenile features to elite weight-for-age contests, his progeny continue to front up on the biggest stages—and over the coming days, all eyes will be on them once again.