Rock juvenile so hot

26th October 2008

Two-year-old Your Old Pal (2c Rock Of Gibraltar-Questabelle, by Rainbow Quest) made a brilliant winning debut at Newbury on Saturday for trainer Jeremy Noseda and looks a possible candidate for classic honours next year.

The Rock Of Gibraltar colt took the lead a furlong from home in the mile event and stormed home six lengths clear of the field. He received a quote of 33/1 from bookmakers for next year's 2,000 Guineas.

The Racing Post’s Analysis noted the race "was won in devastating style by YOUR OLD PAL, who eventually ran right away from his rivals on this racecourse debut, having travelled like a dream throughout. Out of a half-sister to Mullins Bay and Stagecraft, he should get further and looks a very nice prospect for next season."

Your Old Pal, a 30,000gns Tattersalls October Yearling purchase by Willie Browne, is the latest high-profile winner bred by Meon Valley Stud. His dam Questabelle is a daughter of Bella Colora.

Rock Of Gibraltar later narrowly missed on a Breeders’ Cup success at Santa Anita in California when the Mike de Kock-trained Eagle Mountain (4c Rock Of Gibraltar-Masskana, by Darshaan) finished a gallant second to Conduit in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf.