TRAINER Shaun Evans has three candidates in Friday night's heats of the Group 1 National Derby and the trio - litter brothers - each won impressively at the Derby venue Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Rockstar Apollo, who has always been the pick of the Barcia Bale-Rockstar Stratus litter whelped in January, 2021, won a 520m fifth grade in 29.84.
His litter brother and kennelmate Rockstar Gunnar led all the way to win a similar race in 30.01 while Rockstar Rampe completed the rare hat-trick by taking out the final event, another 520m fifth grade, in 30.27.
"He didn't win his maiden race until his eighth start but in his previous races he had been unlucky, he was running 30.10 at Wenty and getting beaten.
"Rockstar Gunnar is a big, lanky dog and it took him a while to learn how to race.''
Rockstar Apollo missed the jump from box two on Saturday but his slow start was a blessing as he secured a rails run when Winlock Piper, who had box one, ran off on the first turn and badly hampered front-running Wentworth Park newcomer Len Me Dad, who drew three.
Fastest time on Saturday was posted by Fat Boy's Dream, who won in 29.80 for owner Stephen Butler and trainer Mark Davidson.
But the win was bitter-sweet for connections as Fat Boy's Dream earned the displeasure of the stewards after racing erratically near the winning post.
"She turned her head near the line, something she has never looked like doing before,'' a disappointed owner Butler said.
Mark Davidson added: "Fat Boy's Dream has been barred from racing at Wentworth Park for 28 days which is bad luck considering she ran such quick time.''
Tommy Kade took his tally to two starts for two wins by overcoming an early collision to win a 520m fifth grade for owner Peter Spiteri and trainer Jodie Lord.
Tommy Kade raced wide but led throughout from box three to score on debut at Wentworth Park in 30.05 but took 30.40 to win on Saturday after exiting the same draw.
"I'm not sure what box he wants because he has drawn box three in both of his races and won each of them,'' Spiteri said.
Saturday's win was a determined effort as Tommy Kade dwelt at the start and ran wide on the first turn, bumping heavily with Flash As and losing considerable ground.
Spiteri added: "Tommy Kade is from the first litter whelped by my good bitch Bland Purr who won 21 races.
"Blue Boy Kade, a litter brother to Tommy Kade, won his maiden race for trainer Jason Magri at Wentworth Park on November 30 and as Bland Purr came in season again on Saturday morning so I will breed a second litter from her.''
Crack Wentworth Park 720m performer Cawbourne Magic showed remarkable versatility to win over 520m on Saturday, notching his 10th win from his past 11 races.
Cawbourne Magic flashed home to win in 29.94 while Appin trainer Vince Spiteri's Another Bella made full use of box one to win a 520m fourth and fifth grade in 29.90.
