STRINGER ROCKS LAUNCESTON FEATURES
Mangalore trainer Mick Stringer was rewarded for his recent run of success by registering a winning treble in Launceston including two feature race victories from Big Opal Rocks and Absolute Flyer on Monday night.
Ex-Victorian chaser Absolute Flyer caused a minor upset to claim the Sires On Ice Tasmanian Oaks Final.
In doing so, the daughter of Bernardo and Absolute Delight opened up her Tasmanian account brilliantly, running down race leader Roxy Rocker to score by three-quarters of a length in 29.87s.
It was Stringer’s also second Tasmanian Oaks winner in 16 years following Painted Shaza in 2007.
At just her second start on the Apple Isle, Absolute Flyer brought up her sixth career win overall from 32 appearances with 11 minor placings and $22,045 in prize money.
“It was a great run by Absolute Flyer to win at her second start, it was a strong field,” the trainer stated.
“She ran a real nice second place first up, I had my reservations about her winning on the night, but she began so well and to see her run down the leader (Roxy Rocker) was the best part of that performance.”
A friendship with former Tasmanian Craig Webb resulted with Absolute Flyer joining Stringer’s kennel.
“Craig came from Tassie years ago but now trains in Bendigo. I bought a few dogs off him previously and they’ve gone well, I’ve just kept in contact with him, and they always wanted to send dogs here,” Mick said.
“He thought Absolute Flyer would be suited here with me and should gain some confidence through the grades.”
Big Opal Rocks wins the R L Foley Stakes
Big Opal Rocks was the second leg of a winning treble as the Kinloch Brae chaser led throughout to score in the R L Foley Perpetual Stakes (720m) stepping up to the longer trip and notching his 21st career victory.
He staved off a late challenge to win by 1-3/4 lengths in 43.08s for owner Phillip Smith.
“Big Opal Rocks is such an outstanding dog, he’s such a pleasure to have in the kennels,” Stringer said.
“You only need to look into his record to prove he can run in sprint or staying races, the ongoing weekly management of his routine is rather simple, he could easily be freshened up and placed in sprint events.”
Mick has signalled the National Distance Championships as the potential upcoming target for Big Opal Rocks.
Over the course of his career in Tasmania, Big Opal Rocks has won several features including the Devonport Distance Championship (599m), Greg Fahey Middle Distance Championship (599m) and Winter Stakes (600m).
Earlier in the program Mick had kicked off his winning treble with Manila Puno winning the opening race.