Adams enjoying a winning mentality as Hawkes stable sticks solid
The rise of apprentice Josh Adams will reach a new level on Team Hawkes' Mentality in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle on Wednesday.
Michael Hawkes believes the apprentice's stocks will continue to rise and said the stable had no hesitation using him. "He listens, does what he is told, which is very important for a young jockey," Hawkes said. "He doesn't make many mistakes and does a good job."
Adams won on promising filly Pontiana for Team Hawkes on Saturday and is a regular trackwork ride for them at Rosehill.
"You learn a lot just being around a big stable like [Team Hawkes] and I have learnt a lot more riding for them in races," Adams said.
"The chance to ride good horses is a good opportunity for me."
His reward for consistent performances on the provincial circuit is the ride on Mentality, which has won three times first-up, as he resumes in the strong Cameron. Although he had a poor preparation in the autumn, the Hawkes stable thinks he can regain the form that made him a group 1 winner.
"The horse is very fit and he trialled well," Hawkes said. "In the past he has won first-up and we are expecting a forward showing."
Chris Roots