A brave frontrunning performance from Grove Street at Hastings credited former stakes-winning speedster Ferrando with his first stallion success.
The Team Rogerson-prepared two-year-old had finished fifth in both of his starts last preparation and he successfully returned over 1100 metres on Saturday off the back of two lead-up trials.
It provided a result to savour for Graeme Rogerson, who trained Ferrando and has strongly supported the son of Fast ‘N’ Famous since he joined Westbury Stud’s roster.
He bred and co-owns Grove Street who is out of the seven-time winner Dancing Song and the Senor Pete mare produced a Ferrando filly last year before a return visit.
“Grove Street’s got some good ability and is learning all the time,” Rogerson said.
“He’s a typical Ferrando. They’re not really two-year-old types, and they’re looking more like stayers than sprinters, which I’ve found hard to believe.
“I think we’ve got a lot to look forward to with his progeny next season. We’ve got half a dozen of them that look really good.
“Zorro’s Revenge placed in the Listed Champagne Stakes in the autumn and he came back into the stable this week.
“We’re going to aim him at the G1 2000 Guineas and then I think he’s a lovely prospect for the G1 Derby.
“Skymax is another one, she got home really well for fourth at Ruakaka the other day. She’ll go out for a spell now and will come back better at three.”
Ferrando won on eight occasions, headlined by victories in the G3 Mr Tiz Trophy and the Listed Lightning Handicap and also finished third in the G1 Telegraph Handicap.
His son Grove Street cleared the gates quickly to make the running and rallied strongly in the straight to beat the Tony Pike-trained debutante Honey Badger, a Gerry Harvey-bred daughter of El Roca.
“He pinged out of the gates and got to the front comfortably,” Grove Street’s rider Leah Hemi said.
“He’s a professional young horse and well-educated, I was fortunate to get on him.”
