Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Rocket City caused a minor upset when he began brilliantly from the No. 5 barrier to burst straight to the front before setting a solid pace and winning by a half-length from the highly-regarded $2 favourite Star Lavra in the $50,000 ASPG WA Gold Bullion final for three-year-old colts and geldings at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
This reversed the result of the qualifying heat eleven days earlier when Star Lavra raced without cover before winning from Magnus Victor and Rocket City (who raced in the one-out, two-back position before finishing with a strong burst.
“I didn’t have him quite spot on for the heat, and he went accordingly,” said trainer-reinsman Dylan Egerton-Green. “Tonight, I was prepared for a surprise attack and press the go button. And it paid off.”
Lord Titanium, a $5 chance from the No. 1 barrier, was expected to make a determined bid for the lead. But he broke at the start — and Rocket City proved too speedy for Star Lavra in the early stages.
Star Lavra issued a spirited challenge in the back straight in the final lap but was unable to get the upper hand. Rocket City, who will be set for upcoming events for three-year-olds, has earned $119,978 from five wins and four placings from 13 starts.
Egerton-Green has recently moved into a property in Serpentine, and he followed his win with Rocket City by landing a double with his only two starts at Narrogin on Saturday night — Lil Happy Fella and Hale Saint Louie. He also trained and drove a double at Pinjarra last Monday when he scored with Overly Excited and Mister Constitution.
He now has had seven starters since moving into his Serpentine property for five wins, one second and one unplaced run.