Trainer Kelso Wood took extra satisfaction from another super performance from top mare Zero Rock following her victory in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes at Doomben.Zero Rock, ridden by Chris Munce, maintained her unblemished record this campaign with a convincing length win over Listen Son in Saturday's 1350-metre feature.Gold Coast sprinter Lucky Luna filled the minor placing a further 2-1/4 lengths away.Zero Rock went into the race with some questions over her ability to run the distance follo
Trainer Kelso Wood took extra satisfaction from another super performance from top mare Zero Rock following her victory in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes at Doomben.
Zero Rock, ridden by Chris Munce, maintained her unblemished record this campaign with a convincing length win over Listen Son in Saturday's 1350-metre feature.
Gold Coast sprinter Lucky Luna filled the minor placing a further 2-1/4 lengths away.
Zero Rock went into the race with some questions over her ability to run the distance following four previous failed attempts to win beyond 1200 metres.
However the mare answered her critics in the best possible way with a resounding victory.
"She's had her knockers but that's the best win of her career," Wood said.
"She's always had the dash early in her career but I've always felt she would run 1400 metres."
Wood also always felt the statistics against the daughter of Danzero had been misleading and was confident she could win to extend her record to 10 wins from 18 starts.
But Wood is in a dilemma now ahead of her main mission, the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast on January 15.
With almost a month to the Magic Millions Cup, Wood may be forced to find another lead-up race before the Gold Coast feature.
"I may have to find something for her before the Magic Millions but I'm not sure what," Wood said.
Munce believes Zero Rock, who was runner-up in last year's Lough Neagh Stakes before finishing second in the Magic Millions Cup, is a lot tougher now.
"They went quick and she relaxed well but she always keeps trying," Munce said.
"I came around them four deep and she went very quick and was able to sustain it.
"She's older now and more mature."
Trainer Tony Gollan is considering backing up runner-up Listen Son in next Sunday's Listed Bernborough Handicap (1615m) following the gelding's gutsy performance.
"He ran a terrific race but it's been the pattern of my whole day," Gollan said.
"He had no luck in the run when he was held in a pocket at the top of the straight.
"Larry (Cassidy) can't wait to get him back to a mile in the Bernborough."
Earlier the Gollan-trained Spirit Of Boom finished fourth in the Listed Gold Edition Plate (1200m) while Temple Of Boom lost both front plates when third to Deer Valley in the Coke Zero Handicap (1100m).