Awesome Rock sired Awesome John to win last year’s G2 WA Derby (2400m) and he doubled up in the fillies equivalent when Own The Queen claimed the G2 WA Oaks (2400m) on Saturday.
Own The Queen was a class above her own sex coming off wins in the LR Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) and LR Natasha Stakes (2200m). Trainer Justine Erkelens hasn’t ruled out going up against the boys in this year’s renewal of the WA Derby on April 13. She is currently on the third line of TAB markets at $5.50 behind Zipaway ($3.50) and Buckets Ridge ($3.80).
“I knew she would be getting out to this distance when we gave her a few early preps last year,” Erkelens recalled. “She was in and out and then we put her away for these races. She’s a beautiful mover and just floats across the ground.
“She was giving them a start but Troy (Turner) knows her and they just click. He rides her in the morning and has been aboard in all five wins.”
Turner also credited Erkelens for making all the difference when Own The Queen kept lifting to overhaul the favourite Miss Skyhigh (Harry Angel).
“She’s come a long way and I feel we got to the bottom of her today. It wasn’t easy. She had to dig deep and found the line strong.”
Awesome Rock (Fastnet Rock) is based at Gold Front Thoroughbreds and his latest classic winner is from Queen Of Choice (Patronize) who won at Ascot and Belmont for trainer David Harrison. The mare is owned by Darling View Thoroughbreds director Clive Atwell and she has a weanling colt by Darling View Champion Playing God.
Own The Queen made $57,500 through Western Breeders Alliance at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions and among her owners are the Golden Sixty Syndicate (Photo / Western Racepix). They won the ‘Own The Dream’ competition conducted by RWWA and have shared earnings of $442,790 including Westspeed Bonuses of $110,350. The WA Derby has a prize pool of $400,000.
Golden Sixty manager Greg Brown said the syndicate has lots of lucky first-time owners. “Buying into this filly has been amazing and it’s fun going along to stable visits and patting the horses. Thanks to Own The Dream. We’re enjoying every minute.”
