Described as an important member of the team, the twice Group 1 placed Red Rock Canyon was the focus of attention in his bid to shed his maiden tag at the twenty second attempt in the Tote Jackpot Races 3 To 6 Maiden. This he finally did, gaining a workmanlike length win over Miss Chaparral
The five-year-old without the blinkers he wore at Tipperary last time faced ten rivals under Johnny Murtagh. A son of Rock Of Gibraltar, the 103-rated performer had three outings under his belt this term coming here, making the pace as is often his role, before finishing seventh in the Prix Ganay. Then, as the stable select, he had to settle for sixth place in the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes. Forty two days back he failed to deliver at odds of 1/2 at Tipperary.
An impeccably-bred type, Red Rock Canyon is a son of Imagine, Irish 1,000 Guineas and Epsom Oaks heroine, a brother to Kitty Matcham (Group 2 Rockfel Stakes winner) and he is a three-parts brother to Horatio Nelson (the main Ballydoyle hope when a fatality in the 2006 Epsom Derby).
Supporters of Aidan O'Brien’s 4/5 shot were only sure of drawing their money in this mile and a quarter event well inside the final furlong, Red Rock Canyon's experience and stamina coming into play to see off the Dermot Weld-trained, Pat Smullen-ridden rival.
