New Zealand-bred three-year-old Shock ‘Em Ova (NZ) (Shocking) extended his unbeaten record to two out of two with a powerful come-from-behind performance in Saturday’s A$130,000 Dominant Plant Powered Cleaning Handicap (2040m) at Moonee Valley.
Trained by Alex Rae at Cranbourne, the son of Shocking made a smart winning debut on his home track on July 7.
Rae had no hesitation in upping the ante for the up-and-comer’s second start on Saturday, and Shock ‘Em Ova rose to the occasion in style.
Ridden by Jake Noonan, Shock ‘Em Ova settled in the back half of the field before beginning to warm up with 800m remaining.
Swooping six-wide around the home turn, Shock ‘Em Ova launched a blistering late run to finish over the top of fellow Kiwi-breds Storm King (NZ) (Complacent) and King Halston (NZ) (Reliable Man) and score an impressive one-length victory.
“Very exciting,” said Rae, who also shares ownership of the gelding along with a large syndicate. “He was terrific today. He was under a bit of pressure a fair way out from home, but he’s a very stout staying animal and he was very strong through the line.
“I wasn’t really surprised in the way he finished the race off. My biggest concern today was how he was going to deal with the circuit of Moonee Valley, but he dealt with it really well. Coming down the back straight, I was really confident that he’d be in the finish.”
Rae is in no rush to make any plans with his exciting staying prospect.
“It’s a group decision, but we’ll see how he pulls up and make a decision on Monday,” he said. “But, look, he’s a very talented horse, so I’d suggest we might be putting him out and bringing him back for the back end of the summer and into the autumn.”
Bred by Eales Racing Pty Ltd, Shock ‘Em Ova is out of the winning Domesday mare Domerova and comes from the family of Group One-winning stayer Wicklow Brave.
Shock ‘Em Ova was offered in Book 2 of the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sales by Rich Hill Stud, home of the gelding’s in-form sire Shocking. Bought by Northumberland Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd for $26,000, Shock ‘Em Ova has now earned A$90,750 from his two-start, two-win career.