Rakero Rocket (NZ) Stuns in Group One Christian Cullen

Rakero Rocket (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven) gave trainer Tom Bamford the thrill of his harness racing career with his brilliant victory in the $100,000 Group One The Christian Cullen (2600m) at Addington on Friday night.

The NZB Standardbred graduate’s scintillating speed carried him past an outstanding field for the inaugural running of the feature, named in honour on one of New Zealand’s greatest ever racehorses and sires.

Bamford was left lost for words after clinching his first Group One victory as a trainer.

The win was only made more meaningful when his stable star downed two of New Zealand’s best pacers in fellow NZB Standardbred graduates Merlin (NZ) (Art Major) and Don’t Stop Dreaming (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).

"I'm shaking, I don't know what is going on,” Bamford admitted immediately after Rakero Rocket’s career best victory.

In securing an elite win, Bamford also realised a harness racing dream in just his fourth season of training.

“You dream of these (wins) as kids in this sport and for it to happen to me – I’m just a young fellow, just battling away.” Bamford said.

Rakero Rocket’s victory was set up by an outstanding tactical drive by Gavin Smith.

Smith sped to an early lead, crossing the favourite Don’t Stop Dreaming (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) to the surprise of many onlookers.

Rakero Rocket then trailed the favourite before outsprinting a star-studded line up in a sensational 54.1sec final 800m.

“We spoke a couple of days ago and just on paper it looked like everybody was going to be going back and we were here to race and thought we might catch a few of them napping,” Bamford said.

“It worked out that way, he crossed for fun, he led easily and the rest was history.”

Rakero Rocket was secured by Rakero Racing Stables for just $16,000 when he was offered among the Belmont Park draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

The brilliant pacer is raced by family group of Ronnie, Kevin and Ray Dawe.

Charlie Brown (NZ) (Art Major) fought on bravely to run second in The Christian Cullen.

Merlin took third after working around the field after settling at the rear. Don’t Stop Dreaming took fourth after having to drag a flat tyre in the home straight. While Pinseeker (NZ) (Downbytheseaside) was denied room at the finish, crossing the line in fourth to complete a first four of NZB Standardbred graduates.

Vendor	Belmont Park
Purchaser	Rakero Racing Stables
Breeding	Rock N Roll Heaven - Motu Pocket O'Jewels Brown Colt
Sale	2021 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Christchurch $16,000
Breeder	Opawa Downs Limited