Rock ‘N’ Gold wins 2018 Kensington Stakes Listed $120,000 at Flemington (VIC), 1000m.
In a close finish where the first five horses finished less than a length apart, the Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained seven-yearold gelding Rock ‘N’ Gold scored his seventh win but his first stakes success in 40 starts. With the field racing closer to the Grandstand side, he settled in seventh place (with cover), before challenging strongly at the 200m. He got to the front at the 100m and then fought gamely to score by a long head.
Husson Eagle raced in last place in the eight horse field before moving up smartly to challenge at the 200m. He then battled well for a close second.
Itz Invincible raced close to the pace in third place, challenged at the 200m and then fought on well for a close-up third.
Flamberge raced in fifth place (on the Grandstand side rails), not far off the leaders, but had trouble gaining clear running before finishing well under his top weight (61.5kg) for an unlucky (0.6 lengths) fourth.
Thermal Current raced back in sixth place, improved between runners at the 200m and then battled on well for (0.8 lengths) fifth.
Lord Of The Sky shared the lead (with Amber Sky) but weakened over the closing stages for (4.8 lengths) sixth.
