Debut winner “has a lot to live up to”

CONNECTIONS of debut winner Rocknpenny hope he can match his two top siblings by becoming a Group One winner next month.

Making his first trip to the races at Club Menangle today, Rocknpenny completed an easy victory for trainer Paul Fitzpatrick.

Positive the colt will improve as he progresses, Fitzpatrick has set Rocknpenny for the local Australian Pacing Gold series.

The Group One Final is scheduled to be conducted at Club Menangle on April 24.

By A Rocknroll Dance, the two-year-old if from broodmare gem Perfect Penny, which boasts two Group One winners – Miss Halfpenny and Anntonia – from three previous starters.

Like Rocknpenny, Miss Halfpenny and Anntonia are APG graduates.

Also prepared by Fitzpatrick, Miss Halfpenny is owned by the same group as Rocknpenny.

“It’s a pretty good family and hopefully he can continue its success,” Fitzpatrick said. “His time wasn’t that quick today, but he only did what he had to do.

“Miss Halfpenny and Anntonia are two very classy types, so he has a lot to live up to.

“Their grand dam Threepence was also a Group One winner.”

Driven by Fitzpatrick’s son Gavin, Rocknpenny led throughout from barrier six to register a soft eight-metre win from Africana.

Double Lines was three-and-a-half metres third in 1:57.