Sydney winner Desert Lord
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes would love to get brilliant sprinter Desert Lord into the Group I Stradbroke Handicap even though he realises the odds are stacked against it happening.
The son of High Chaparral produced a monster win at Randwick on Saturday when he produced a fabulous burst of acceleration to blow away his rivals in the So You Think Hall Of Fame Handicap (1200m).
Desert Lord, backed into $2.45 favouritism, romped home 3-1/2 lengths clear of Island Missile and his closing sectionals were the fastest of the day.
The win must have impressed Sportsbet which now has the four-year-old gelding at $15 in its market for the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 8 – the same price as they have Saturday’s Group I The Goodwood winner Despatch.
Tab.com.au have Desert Lord $26 in its Stradbroke market.
Desert Lord holds a Stradbroke Handicap nomination and Hawkes, who co-trains with brother Wayne and dad John, would love to get him there.
However it is almost certain he would have to win one of two upcoming races in Brisbane that offer the winner a free ticket into the Stradbroke.
Hawkes said on Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast show on Sunday morning:
“He pulled up really good, he is still in the Stradbroke,” Hawkes said.
“I know a lot of people say their horses are heading that way, the Stradbroke and Brisbane.
“We feel the best is yet to come with this horse.
“The only problem is his rating is low and he is going through the grades.
“Will he make the Stradbroke? Probably not.
“But you never know, stranger things have happened.
“You never say never with us. He is going to be a bright spark of the future, that’s for sure.
“He is a horse that is definitely going somewhere.”
Ben Dorries - RACENET