by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — When a horse earns over $300,000 in a year there is certainly nothing to complain about, however, Guelph, Ontario, resident Bob Young believes that his stable star Piece Of The Rock’s best days are still ahead.

The 4-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover-Paula’s Promise earned $323,601 last season with his largest payday coming with a third place finish in the C$1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup in June at Mohawk Racetrack.

Earlier last week, WEG’s media department spoke to Young and he noted that he plans to have his stable star ready for April.

“He just started going two trips today and everything is going as planned. I plan to have him ready for the first of April,” Young said.
“He grew from the time he had off and has filled out but he’s also a horse that looks after himself.”

A $50,000 yearling purchase from the Harrisburg Sale in 2008, Young will stake Piece Of The Rock lightly as a 4-year-old, looking ahead to his 5-year-old campaign.

“We’re just going to pick and choose our spots this year. The Breeders Crown is here (at Woodbine) in October and we will maybe go to the Winbak Pace, Des Smith and the Gold Cup and Saucer.”

Piece Of The Rock earned a 1:51.1 lifetime best last year for Young and co-owners Jamie Trott, Brian Barton and Frank Aloise.

Young’s other top performer is Artimittateslife. The 6-year-old homebred daughter of Art Major is approaching $1 million in career earnings but her racing days are numbered according to the veteran trainer.

“She’ll be bred to Rocknroll Hanover. I’d like to breed her middle of March or early April,” he commented. “She’s a 1:51-1:52 mare and she can’t go with the good mares anymore.”

With $940,635 in career earnings, Artimittateslife is owned by Young and partners Brian Barton and Paul Gazzola.

To watch the interview with Bob Young on the Woodbine Entertainment website, click here.