Racing: Searchin’ Roc’s returns in style and greets the judges for trainer Jim Taylor

Searchin’ Roc’s has returned in style, not only winning the Listed $125,000 Farnley Stakes (1400m) first up for trainer Jim Taylor but also avoiding her history of barrier drama at Belmont Park on Saturday. In her first race in 280 days, the five-year-old mare started as favourite and did not let anyone down with hoop Chris Parnham leading her to an eighth win in 17 races and first since the R.J. Peters Stakes in November. Coming from four wide on the turn, Searchin’ Roc’s always looked too strong for the competition, hitting the front with 150m to go to win by nearly a length from Jadavi ($61) and Nerodio ($4.80). It was an impressive win given she stayed in the barrier despite some drama with Western Temple who was scratched before the jump. In the Free Entry To Belmont Park Handicap (1600m), Jackie Panizza’s stalwart Costa Del Santo, a $101 pre-race fancy, was narrowly pipped by Romancing The Rock. Based in Dardanup, Cost Del Santo’s strong performance was his first placed finish since July 21 last year.