Giant colt Rock Hero is almost too big for his own good

TRAINER David Payne admits Rock Hero's sheer size is at once the colt's best asset and his worst attribute.

"Because he is so big, it has taken time for the penny to drop and for him to strengthen up as well,'' Payne said.

"He was a big, backward bugger, a very slow learner, and when we first put him on the track didn't show anything.

"But one morning at trackwork I sent him along with Criterion and he held his own and I thought wait a minute we might have something here.''

Rock Hero's rapid development since that cold, winter's morning trackwork gallop has resulted in a start in the Group 1 $400,000 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The giant colt, who is not yet a three-year-old by birth date, but already stands nearly 17 hands, has won two of his five starts and goes into the classic as one of the favoured chances.

Payne said the rate of improvement Rock Hero has shown from race to race has been extraordinary.

"At his first start, although he finished near the tail of the field I thought he ran a good race. He was only beaten about five lengths that day,'' the trainer explained.

"In every race he has had since, he has gone 'whoosh' and improved by about four or five lengths.

"I think he could be a special horse. He has such a big stride, he take one to their two.''

Payne said Rock Hero's effort to overcome a horror start, settle midfield then storm home to win the Dulcify Quality last week was a revelation.

"We know we don't have to lead now,'' Payne said. "When he won at Canterbury, we thought that is the way to ride him but he has shown now that he is adaptable.

"We won't be leading in the Spring Champion tomorrow - I'd like him to be sitting third or fourth if possible and we will see how he goes.''

Payne is also saddling up Criterion in the Spring Champion Stakes. A star colt last season with his wins in the Black Opal Stakes and Todman Stakes, Criterion showed an encouraging return to form when a close second to Eurozone in the Stan Fox Stakes last start.

"Criterion will run well, he will be competitive,'' the trainer continued.

"He had no luck in his first couple of starts this spring, it just didn't go for him, although he was much better the other day.

"But I just think this big horse (Rock Hero) will be too good for him.''

Payne said Rock Hero will go to the spelling paddock win, lose, or draw but Criterion's spring campaign will be extended.

"Criterion is on the Victoria Derby path,'' Payne said.

"But Rock Hero will go out for a spell after this race. He is in his first preparation and this will be his sixth start so he deserves a break.

"I'm looking at setting him for the Doncaster in the autumn because I feel his best distances are from 1600m to 2000m.''

Story: Herald Sun

Photo: www.bradleyphotos.com.au

[10/10/2013]

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