Volkstok’N’Barrell got his nose in front in the shadows of the post to record a maiden Group 1 victory in a thrilling edition of the 2015 Rosehill Guineas.
Volkstok’N’Barrell made his Australian racing debut with a narrow victory in the 2015 edition of the Rosehill Guineas. Photo by: Steve Hart
Volkstok’N’Barrell was given a lovely run in transit by jockey Craig Williams just behind the leading duo of Pounamu and Mongolian Khan and he responded well when asked for an extra effort coming around the final bend.
Chris Waller-trained Preferment hit the front at the 300 metre mark, while Hallowed Crown loomed on the inside, but Volkstok’N’Barrell finished stronger than his rivals to return to winning form after finishing in the placings in both the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in New Zealand.
Jockey Craig Williams was having his first race ride on Volkstok’N’Barrell in the Rosehill Guineas and he was thrilled with the performance of the horse and delighted to record a Group 1 victory for trainer Donna Logan following the death of her training partner Dean Logan last week
“He is such a laidback customer and the way that he is bring on the Derby,” Williams said.
“We had a really nice run and he raced well for me.
“He was a little bit unbalanced around the turn, but most importantly for Donna Logan, she lost her training partner and she came here today, put on a brave face and there is no doubt that Dean helped us get him over the line.
“I love the horse and I am very fortunate that Donna gave me the opportunity today.”
Logan’s day got off to a poor start when Rising Romance was beaten in the Group 3 Epona Stakes (1900m) earlier in the day, but she was thrilled that Volkstok’N’Barrell was able to make up for that disappointment and deliver her another Group 1 victory in the Rosehill Guineas.
Logan was quick to pay credit to the ride of Williams and she said that she will consult with the leading hoop before she decides whether to run Volkstok’N’Barrell in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 4.
“We got beaten with Rising Romance and I thought oh no and have I overfaced my boy here today, but he got up and really made us proud,” Logan said.
“It was a fantastic ride, Craig William does his homework and he knew the horse inside out and he rode him beautifully.
“I was really worried because we are good at home, but when you get over here it is a different ballgame and these guys are tough.
“Ruakaka to Rosehill is a big difference.
“I will talk to Craig about it (running in the Australian Derby), I would really like his thoughts on it and what he thinks about 2400.
“If he is comfortable and thinks that he will get the trip then I would like to have a crack at it.”
Hallowed Crown was given every possible chance by jockey Hugh Bowman and will likely drop back to 1600 meters for the Group 1 Doncaster Mile, while Sweynesse was disappointing and is now at a crossroads this preparation.
