Voak Sings The Praises Of Im Rockaria
13 June, 2016
Harness
Reinsman Chris Voak says he is very much looking forward to the development of Im Rockaria who underlined his potential with a hard fought victory in the Group One Pearl Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park on Friday.
The $125,000 Golden Slipper (2130m) at Gloucester Park in July now looms large on the horizon for the Michael Brennan-trained juvenile, who posted a winning hatrick after wearing down gallant $2.50 favourite, Wesley.
Both pacers cleared away from their rivals and went stride for stride in the home straight, before Im Rockaria gained the upper hand over the concluding stages, vindicating Voak’s decision to drive the son of Rocknroll Hanover.
Voak had the option of Im Rockaria and Our Zac Whitby, prepared by Ed Dewar, after partnering the pair to impressive victories in qualifying heats of the Pearl, but opted for the former after he came up with barrier four.
Voak said the future is bright for Im Rockaria, who improved his record to three wins and two placings from five starts, proving a wonderful acquisition for owners after being bought for a modest $16,000 in Melbourne.
“Everything in the run mapped out perfect for us,” Voak said on TABradio.
“He showed some real good staying power the horse.
“I think he knows what it’s all about in a racing sense.
“The horse carries himself like a winner and knows what he is doing.
“It’s the hard racing conditioning that will bring him up to a greater level.
“It’s exciting to see where the hard racing gets him.”
Im Rockaria capped a top night for the talented reinsman and the second leg of a driving double.
The entrée to the main show was the Ross Oliveri-trained, Jambiani in race six. After finding the front the bay gelding was never headed.
“I thought if he found the front he would be hard to beat and that’s how it panned out,” Voak said.
“He is a good horse who is on the way up and one worth following.”
Jambiani, a recent newcomer to the Oliveri team, has racked up two wins from four starts since arriving from Melbourne.
Julio Santarelli