by Mike Curry

Rockdale scored a breakthrough victory at an opportune time for his connections as he posted a front-running three-quarter-length win on Monday in the $486,164 Racetree T. J. Smith Stakes (Aus-G1) at Eagle Farm.

Trained by John Morrisey for owner Gundaroo Stud Syndicate, the Danroad gelding entered off a runner-up finish to highly regarded Fravashi in the Schweppes Sires’ Produce Stakes (Aus-G1) on May 31 at Eagle Farm. Rockdale turned the tables on that foe in the T. J. Smith Stakes with a victory under Mark Zahra.

Rockdale broke alertly and opened a three-length lead while setting a strong pace under Zahra.

“I didn't plan to go to the front on him,” Zahra told Australia Racing and Sports. “But when he lobbed there and did it so easily, I was happy to lead.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s previously undefeated Fravashi tracked in third under Corey Brown, who began to urge the Falbrav (Ire) colt approaching the stretch.

Rockdale maintained a clear lead into the straight and dug in to fend off a late bid from runner-up Baci Amore. Rockdale completed 1,600 meters (7.95 furlongs) in 1:40.30 on turf rated as heavy and became the first stakes winner for Danroad.

Fravashi was unable to quicken enough to mount a serious threat and finished a length behind Baci Amore in third.

“He's pulled up sore behind,” trainer Peter Snowden told Australia Racing and Sports. “He's a better horse than that, and I'm prepared to forgive him on the wet track.”

Bred in New Zealand by G. G. Bennett, G. J. Cossey, Mrs. D. M. Logan, and R. G. Sutherland, Rockdale is out of Group 2-placed winner Komplete Kaos, by Desert Sun (GB).

Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor