Staeck rockets to victory

There were no first race nerves for Trevor Andrews’ Johno’s Rocket ($21), when she claimed a win in the $16,500 Aquaviva Catering Maiden (1116m) at the Bunbury Turf Club on Sunday.

After just three trials at Belmont and one in the past month, the three-year-old came from ninth on the turn to storm past leader Mumstheone, who finished half a length back in third alongside Reaction, who was second.

Jockey Daniel Staeck sat Johno’s Rocket at the back of the pack and was not too stressed after a rough start in the sprint, instead waiting until late on the straight to make a strong move and claim a first win in what could be a promising career.

“She was just full of run,” he said.

“She really just needed some clearing to gallop.

“It was her first start in a race and she is just a little inexperienced, which is alright because it means she isn’t yet at her best.”

Staeck said he was told to go into the run confident by Andrews.

“I was told that she was training quite well,” he said.

Staeck said he would not be surprised if Johno’s Rocket went to another level and stepped up over a longer distance.

“It is possible especially at her top speed,” he said.

Staeck has been in solid form at Amelia Park, claiming three wins in his last two meets at the track.

“I go into every race to win it,” he said.

Brent Larsson’s Snow Blossom ($1.80) completed a trifecta of wins at the Bunbury Turf Club when she won the $19,000 Get the TABTouch Handicap (1216m).

The club’s leading horse finished more than a length in front of Peter and Matt Giadresco’s Southern Tern to make it three wins from her last three races at the track.

The five-year-old mare has been excellent this preparation, claiming four wins, two thirds and three seconds, with just the one coming outside of Bunbury

Glenn Smith rode Snow Blossom magnificently, holding her back second last until the turn where he took her from against the rail to five wide and they wound up from 200m to dominate the rest of the class five field.

Snow Blossom now has four wins from 14 career starts.

The next meet at the Bunbury Turf Club will be on Sunday, February 18.