Miracle horse Niwot defies career ending injury to race in the Melbourne Cup
HALL of Fame trainer John Hawkes has the chance to win the one major race to have eluded him with a horse vets said would never race again.
Niwot secured his place in the Melbourne Cup with a dominant win at Flemington yesterday.
Niwot, who suffered a serious knee injury two years ago, had to win the Group 3 $250,000 Lexus Stakes (2500m) to secure a start in Tuesday's big race.
In a race featuring nine stayers looking to win to gain a Melbourne Cup start, Niwot toyed with his rivals.
It was shades of 12 months ago when Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his sons Wayne and Michael, got Maluckyday into the Cup by winning the Lexus.
"This horse has come back from a shattered knee, an injury that was so bad the vets said he'd never race again," Hawkes said. "So to see this horse make it into a Melbourne Cup is very satisfying.
"And he's got a chance, he won't be there making up the numbers."
There was further good news for Team Hawkes when Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter decided against issuing Niwot a Melbourne Cup penalty.
"Niwot is now exempt from ballot for the Melbourne Cup with his Lexus Stakes win, but I won't be giving him a penalty," Carpenter said. "He was very impressive, but if you look at the horses that finished in the top five behind him - Macedonian, Anudjawun, Raffaello, Showcause and Reprisal - I'm satisfied with Niwot's 51kg handicap.
"After all, he is a seven-year-old and his form is well exposed."
Niwot eased from $6.50 to $9 but produced an outstanding Melbourne Cup trial when he scored by three lengths easing down from Macedonian ($10), with Anudjawun ($13) a further 2 1/4 lengths away third.
Jockey Dean Yendall was criticised for his losing Caulfield Cup ride on Niwot, but he responded with a tactically perfect effort yesterday.
Yendall had Niwot travelling easily midfield, one off the fence, until he took the horse three wide near the turn.
Green Moon, the Caulfield Cup runner-up, was leading and appeared to be travelling comfortably, but Niwot unleashed a brilliant burst of acceleration, sprinting to the lead at the 400m and opening up a five-length margin.
Niwot had the race won a long way out and Yendall was able to ease up on the stayer over the final 200m, ensuring the stayer had plenty in reserve for Tuesday.
So impressive was Niwot that TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds immediately slashed his quote for the Melbourne Cup from $101 to $21.
Hawkes has prepared the winner of the Golden Slipper (twice), Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate but needs a Melbourne Cup to complete Australian racing's grand slam.
He began the spring believing Maluckyday was his best chance, but when that horse had to be spelled he relied only on Niwot.
Story: Ray Thomas Daily Telegraph
Photo: Martin King Sportpix www.sportpix.com.au