Blueblood in the deep end but she’ll swim
Hawkes Racing co-trainer Michael Hawkes isn’t fazed by the challenge awaiting undefeated filly Pontiana in Saturday’s Group II Urbis Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Pontiana has come a long way in a short space of time having won her maiden at Kembla on August 21, before stepping up to Saturday metropolitan company where she thumped the likes of last Saturday’s Reginald Allen quinella of M’lady Pedrille and Zutara.
Hawkes said Pontiana had impressed the stable since her last win and deserves a shot at “the big time”.
“She’s warranted the chance to have a go,” Hawkes said. “There’s no doubt it’s going to be tough because there are some smart ones in the race, but I think she’ll run very well.
“You can’t do anymore than win and she’s been impressive at both of her starts and I think she’s improved again since her last run.”
Another two runners at Randwick will represent the stable on Saturday with Dao Dao taking on Hot Danish in the Group II Shorts (1200m) and Prix Du Sang in the Group I Metropolitan (2400m).
“Dao Dao has come back really well,” Hawkes said. “Obviously Hot Danish is going to take some beating, but this bloke has mixed it with the best of them.
“He probably should have beaten Rangirangdoo first-up in the autumn.
“If you’re not in it you can’t win it.
“The mare, Prix Du Sang, is going well and it’s not the strongest Metropolitan I’ve ever seen and she’s not without some chance.”
Clinton Payne