China a Rock-solid proposition

CHINA Rock should make a successful chasing debut in the Gowran Park Racing Club 2010 Beginners Chase at Gowran Park today.

The six-year-old Presenting gelding has always looked a chaser in the making and has been found an ideal starting point by trainer Mouse Morris. Successful twice over hurdles, in a Listowel maiden and when left clear by the last flight fall of Head Of The Posse at Cork, his potential is better assessed by fourth placings behind the mighty Mikael D’Haguenet in Grade 1 action at Cheltenham and Punchestown.

Beaten ten lengths in the ‘Ballymore’ at Cheltenham, he was in front until approaching the final flight when less than six lengths fourth behind Willie Mullins’ crack novices Mikael D’Haguenet and Cousin Vinny in Punchestown’s Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle. China Rock looks a cut above today’s rivals and should not be opposed.